Kent FA supports The FA's first national Silent Support Weekend
The Kent FA is supporting The Football Association’s first National Silent Support Weekend to promote good behaviour on touchlines across grassroots youth football.
The landmark National Silent Support Weekend will be introduced over 5-6 November 2022 to encourage spectators and coaches to show their support during the match through applause only.
The aim is to reduce pressure on youth players at grassroots level and give them a better opportunity and environment to find their own voice, improve their on-pitch communications skills, develop their own game, and most importantly have fun.
Across the National Silent Support Weekend, The FA and The Kent FA is encouraging coaches and spectators to show their support by applauding good play from both teams, but refraining from talking or shouting. This is to create an enjoyable, safe and developmental experience for all youth players, so that they can play the game with freedom, without pressure, and without an over-emphasis on winning at all costs.
FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, said: "The National Silent Support Weekend is designed to promote respect in youth football. It gives players an opportunity to focus fully on their game and not be distracted by the touchline.
"As a grassroots coach, I have taken part in trials and seen the benefits first hand. It was so well received by the players that we have worked with County FAs to offer the first National Silent Support weekend. We hope a large number of clubs across the country will join in and provide a fun environment for young players to find their voice."
Kent FA CEO, Darryl Haden, said, “The National Silent Support Weekend is an opportunity for parents and spectators to positively impact youth football by allowing the children to play in a fun and supportive environment. We hope that as many clubs as possible around Kent will take part and that it is a positive experience for all.”
For further information and to sign up and play your part on Silent Support Weekend, please click below.