THE Lancashire and Cheshire AFL, at the start of their Centenary season, continue to play a prominent role in the Football Association’s new behavioural campaign - the Respect programme.

Last season the L and C were chosen as one of the few leagues in the country to trial the pilot scheme of ‘Respect’ and its official launch is the latest stage in the campaign.

The launch took place at Chorltonians FC’s ground at the Police Club at Hough End with players from the host club, who will field six teams in the league this season, assisting.

The scheme is being rolled out across Cheshire FA and aims to improve the standards of behaviour across the professional and grassroots game, reducing the drop-out of referees and the number of abandoned matches and reintroducing fun into children’s football.

The Respect programme sits alongside a £2 million funding injection for dedicated staff, across the country, to support referee recruitment and safeguard children.

Over 37,000 participants were consulted by the FA when defining its vision for grassroots football and their feedback confirmed that parental pressure is one of the main reasons young players leave the game and that abusive behaviour results in over 7,000 referees quitting football each year.

Trevor Massey, a Premier League official said: "The Respect programme is critical in helping us to change the negative attitudes and unacceptable behaviour which threaten the future of football.

"This is a long-term commitment but, if we all play our part, together we can really make a difference."

Massey’s views were endorsed by L and C referee and sports editor of the Manchester Evening News Peter Spencer, Keith Marsden - chairman of the L and C, Dave Edmunds - chairman of the Eastham Junior League and the players and club officials from Chorltonians.

For more information on Respect and how your league or club can be involved visit the website www.TheFA.com/Respect.

Tweet