Pompey supporting FA programme on Saturday
Working with Hampshire FA, Pompey have designated Saturday’s match against Yeovil at Fratton Park as a ‘Respect fixture’.
This will provide Hampshire FA with the opportunity to publicise and promote the Respect programme to thousands of people present at the fixture.
Respect was launched at the start of the 2008/09 season following concern at all levels of football that poor behaviour was damaging the game.
The aim is to try to change attitudes in football at all levels, improving behaviour among players and spectators.
Neil Cassar, chief executive of Hampshire FA, said: “On behalf of the association, I would like to thank Portsmouth and Yeovil Town for their willingness to support the campaign.
“This presents a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to spread the message and its importance in front of a larger audience.
“I would also like to personally thank all the staff at Pompey for their organisation, preparations and efforts behind the scenes, working closely with us to ensure Saturday is successful for all involved.
“A collaborative approach is required to achieve any goal and so I’d like to thank everyone present at the game for your own individual contributions.
“Hampshire FA is committed to eliminating bad behaviour detrimental to the grassroots game and fully supports and implements The FA’s Respect programme in all areas.”
Colin Farmery, head of safeguarding and inclusion at Pompey said: “We were delighted when Hampshire FA approached us in the summer to host this Respect match in partnership with Yeovil.
“As a community football club, the values the Respect campaign is promoting chime perfectly with our own agenda.
“We want Fratton Park to be a stadium where everyone in our community feels welcome and can enjoy their football in a vibrant, but safe and secure environment. That is what this campaign is all about.”
Click here to learn more about the Respect programme.