Tonight’s game against Sheffield Wednesday is a ‘Respect’ fixture – providing an opportunity for Portsmouth Football Club and Hampshire FA to promote the importance of respect within football.
The two organisations have collaborated for several years now to demonstrate their endorsement of The FA’s Respect programme.
On top of the usual excitement of a League One contest, those attending the game can see the initiative’s logo across banners, t-shirts and more.
Hampshire FA CEO Neil Cassar said: “Hampshire FA continue to fully endorse The FA’s Respect programme across all aspects of the County FA.
"We’re committed to creating a positive environment for all to enjoy football and everyone involved in football – from grassroots up to elite level – has a part to play in doing so.
"I’d like to thank Portsmouth FC for their support, providing this fantastic opportunity to, once again, promote the importance of respect within Hampshire’s football community.
"I hope everyone enjoys a great game of football and recognises the importance of respect and the role that they can play in encouraging a positive environment.”
Hampshire FA’s Respect lead Charlotte Langley-Brown added: “Respect remains a pivotal aspect of Hampshire FA’s ongoing work to make sure football is for all.
"On top of endorsing The FA’s Respect programme across everything that we do, we have our own initiatives such as Respect fixtures in association with Portsmouth FC, the ‘Their Game Weekends’, and yellow armbands for under-18 referees.
"These localised initiatives are key in supporting the principles of The FA’s Respect Programme, helping to foster a positive environment within Hampshire’s grassroots football community and enable everyone to enjoy the game.”
The FA’s Respect programme is all about creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for all. The programme provides clubs and individuals with resources to help promote Respect, learning that they can help individuals encourage Respect within the game, and a variety of other supporting campaigns such as ‘21 Days of Positivity’ that help encourage a more positive environment within football.
It is hoped that an array of different programmes and campaigns giving Respect more visibility and promotion, will continue to make football a more positive environment for all.
For more information about Respect, please email Charlotte.Langley-Brown@HampshireFA.com