Youth Leagues unite to launch #PassThePositivity

Oxfordshire FA have teamed up with the county’s youth leagues to help create positive behaviour in youth football

This new partnership will see OYFL, OGFL, WDYFL, BOBi League and Oxfordshire FA launch a new campaign that aims to continue to develop a positive and enjoyable environment for children & young people to play football across the county.

This new campaign will build on the fantastic efforts going on already to improve respect in youth football in Oxfordshire - this campaign aims to complement and add value to this and the ongoing respect work nationally (such as We Only Do Positive and 21 Days of Positivity) at a local level and support clubs to reinforce key messages.

Although there has been some great work in the county to improve behaviour, there is still work that can be done.

Since the first lockdown there has been an increase in reports of poor behaviour from players, coaches, spectators and others involved in the game.

In our recent Returning to Play consultation with young people, feedback showed that poor behaviour was a key factor for young people either not wanting to return to play or giving up completely. 

The new campaign will encourage clubs to promote positive behaviour amongst their players, coaches, parents and spectators to make sure that they can give the best experience to everyone involved. 

The aim is to spread positive messages via social media for clubs to share across their members and playing sites. 

The Returning to Play feedback from young people helped shape the initiative alongside Oxfordshire FA’s Youth Leadership Team.

The campaign is launching in October as this is the month that has historically had higher reports of discipline and poor behaviour. 

We need help from everyone in the Oxfordshire Football Family to play their part in making the best environment for young people to thrive and continue playing and refereeing.

For more information on #PassThePositivity click here

How can clubs play their part? 

We have created a series of graphics for clubs to utilise. The aim of these are so clubs can show their support across their social media accounts and websites. You can download these here. Get involved using #PassThePositivity

We have created ‘hints and tips’ guides on some of the things clubs could think about to help provide the best possible experience for players and referees to keep them participating. Please share these with your team officials and club members.

There will be a series of weekly social media messages that will be promoted by Oxfordshire FA and youth leagues – we want to encourage clubs to share these with their followers and members.

WHAT OTHER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We have collated a series of support, workshops, guidance and resources that can help clubs to reinforce key messages across different topics. Click here to support the creation of a positive environment at your club.

We will also be delivering a series of #PassThePositivity themed months with focused promotion and support so watch this space.

For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Michael Thurlow (Football Development Manager) via Development@OxfordshireFA.com