This afternoon’s fixture against Peterborough sees Pompey – in association with Hampshire FA – hosting a ‘Respect’ fixture at Fratton Park.
The FA have a renewed focus on the Respect campaign on its 10-year anniversary. Originally launched in the 2008/09 season, the new mantra of ‘We Only Do Positive’ aims to improve behaviour on touchlines across the country by raising awareness of Respect among a new generation of parents, coaches, volunteers and players.
The campaign follows extensive research carried out last season to understand the effect of negative behaviour at football matches from U7 to U18 level more clearly, focusing on where Respect Interventions would be most effective.
‘We Only Do Positive’ is The FA’s new strategic approach to emphasise the role of parents and coaches, while highlighting the importance of positive behaviours and environments – both on and off the pitch – for young footballers involved in mini-soccer and youth football.
also aims to educate parents and coaches on their roles in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment to ensure the campaign is embraced throughout the age groups and results in sustained participation from players and volunteers alike.
Hampshire FA fully endorses and supports the FA Respect programme and have several local initiatives in place to provide education and guidance on best practice procedures.
These are sent to clubs and leagues and with their support, this is then disseminated down to players, officials, parents and spectators.
Neil Cassar, CEO of Hampshire FA, said: “Hampshire FA are committed to eliminating bad behaviour detrimental to the grassroots game and fully support and implement The FA’s ‘We Only Do Positive’ programme in all areas.
“We have rolled out a series of Respect Education workshops to educate our members, which are delivered by the county FA Designated Safeguarding Team.
“Additionally, we continue to support ‘Let Them Play’ weekends – an initiative designed to eliminate poor behaviour from touchlines within youth fixtures and create positive and encouraging environment for children to play football.
“I would like to extend a massive ‘thank you’ to Portsmouth FC and Peterborough United FC for their willingness to support the programme.
“This presents yet another fantastic opportunity for us to continue to spread the message and its importance in front of a large audience.
“I would also like to personally thank all the staff at Portsmouth FC and Pompey in the Community, particularly Anabel Roman, Clare Martin and Fiona Bristow, for supporting the Respect fixture, for their organisation, preparations and efforts behind the scenes, working closely with us in the lead-up to the game and on a number of campaigns.
“A collaborative approach is required to achieve any goal and so I’d like to thank everyone involved for their contribution. I hope everyone’s efforts will be shown on the day.”