This weekend, the 5th and 6th November, is the first of two FA Silent Support Weekends that are to take place across the season.
Why a Silent Support Weekend?
The FA have decided to introduce a National Silent Support Weekend to promote positive behaviour on touchlines across grassroots youth football. The landmark National Silent Support Weekend has been introduced to encourage spectators and coaches to show their support during the match through applause only, with an aim of reducing the pressure on youth players at grassroots level and to 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.
What does a Silent Support Weekend mean for coaches and parents/carers/spectators?
Across the National Silent Support Weekend, coaches and parents, carers and spectators are encouraged 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.
