Football: New respect campaign launched for junior game

FA says it's had further reported incidents around matter this season

A new campaign is being launched on Island aiming to instill greater respect within junior football.

The Isle of Man FA initiative called 'It's Everyone's Game' begins this Friday (12 April).

The theme for this first week from 12-14 April is 'respect the space' where only players and officials will be allowed inside regional and 3G playing arenas.

Respect marshals will be at venues to direct spectators as to where to stand - at Rushen, Peel, Colby and Castle Rushen this will be behind fences.

At The Bowl those watching on will be asked to do so behind the perimeter barrier whilst it'll be behind the barriers around the NSC blue pitch.

IOMFA Discipline Officer, David O'Flanagan, says the initiative is aimed at allowing youngsters to play with freedom, communicate clearly with each other and have the chance to make their own decisions.

However, he adds spectators are still encouraged to cheer and support from outside the barriers.

Further ahead, the next phase of the campaign on 19-21 April will be the 'flag of friendship' with coaches and players asked to sign a flag and pass it on to the opposition to do the same.

Seven days later the final weekend (26-28 April) has the theme of 'appreciation weekend' - spectators will be asked to show their appreciation to players, coaches and officials before the game with the gesture to be returned at full-time.