The FA have announced a silent support weekend in grassroots youth football on the 5-6th November 2022. It will be implemented across the UK in local football clubs.

The FA state that this weekend is intended to ‘reduce pressure’ on youth players at a grassroots level . The only support that will be allowed from coaches, family etc. is clapping, which is meant to help the youth players improve their game, free from pressure received off others.

The FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham confirmed this by stating ‘The National Silent Support Weekend is designed to promote respect in youth football. It gives players an opportunity to focus fully on their game’.

According to some fans, the FA could be leaning towards the ‘woke’ side with this initiative. They have implemented strict rules for misconduct, such as anyone stepping out of line being asked to leave the pitch. Some fans also argue that this initiative is not ‘natural’ in the football environment.

A study has revealed that 73.2% of grassroots football fans believe that behaviour on the pitch has deteriorated. The FA state that this is a key reason for them to introduce the scheme into youth football.

To further the grassroots aspect of this campaign, the FA have also provided downloads for posters that readers can print and use to promote it. Promotional videos are also provided to download.