With The FA recently launching the new Respect campaign ‘We Only Do Positive’, Cumberland FA is pleased to announce how it will be supporting its affiliated leagues and clubs as they move into the 2018/19 season.

The Respect Roadshow begins in Cumberland this weekend, with around 150 parents expected to attend a session in Carlisle ahead of the Under-7s getting some match action.

This session aims to promote the newly re-launched Respect campaign, as well as raise awareness of player development and the important role of the parent in supporting the players in their first experience of organised youth football. The players will then get their chance to play their first matches in the Longhorn Youth Football League in a mini-festival, following the Respect presentation from Cumberland FA.

The Respect Roadshow then moves on to Whitehaven for the West Cumbria Youth League on 16 September (U8) and 23 September (U7), with the Penrith & District Youth League session taking place on 14 October.

Each parent attending the Respect Workshop will receive a FREE mug to help stay warm on the side-lines with the words ‘Stop-Think-Drink’ to re-affirm the message of ‘We Only Do Positive.’ We’re asking parents to send in their photos throughout the season to show how they support their players and the Respect message whilst drinking their brews.

Local youth leagues will be able to access the new Respect package to help support the positive message to young players. Clubs will be able to access discounted Respect barriers and other support materials from the Football Foundation – more information on that to follow shortly.

New for this season, Cumberland FA will be offering each of the Charter Standard Leagues across the county £200 Kitlocker vouchers to present to the team who leads their respective Respect competition. With each league being unique, the seven Charter Standard Youth and Adult Leagues will determine these prizes slightly differently. More details will follow once the leagues have confirmed their process.

Plans are also in place to further support young match officials.

Ray Sempill, Cumberland FA Football Development Officer, said: “Respect is key to a player’s enjoyment of the grassroots game. The new research shows how much positivity can improve a player’s performance and experience of a match day. We hope that this campaign will encourage parents to try this approach and see the benefits it brings to their children.

“Improving the matchday environment will also encourage more referees and volunteers to get involved and love the game.”

Find out more about Respect and download the revamped Code of Conduct HERE

Cumberland FA is also producing a number of young player respect resources, designed by children from Cumberland to support leagues, clubs and coaches when introducing Respect to young players. These will be available shortly.

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