Villagers turned out in force to support their local football club’s Respect day. St Newlyn East’s league match against local rivals Godolphin to mark the club’s commitment to The FA’s Respect programme in Cornwall attracted more than double the usual number of supporters with many families attending.
The arrangements, made by the club’s Committee members, their partners, family and friends, included a leaflet drop to almost 400 homes, the erection of a large marquee, barbeque , other food and drink sales, additional signage, kids playing area, additional toilet facilities and rubbish collection. Cornwall FA assisted St Newlyn East with Respect banners, and training bibs for the two teams involved. They also provided sweatbands and footballs for the children who took part.
There are 11 leagues in the county who have signed up to rolling out the Respect initiatives. These include codes of conduct for players, coaches, supporters and officials, the captain only speaking to the referee on the pitch, designated areas for spectators.
Ian Anear, Respect Liaison and Council Member from Cornwall FA, said of the St Newlyn initiative, “Representatives of Cornwall FA and the Duchy League enjoyed an excellent game of football. Both teams played the game with no animosity towards their opponents and they showed the utmost respect towards the Referee and the decisions he made – and all with none of the foul and abusive language that is all too often heard at matches these days. Credit must go to the Players and Officials of both clubs involved. If all games were played in this spirit, there would be no requirement for a Respect campaign in the first place. “
Club Treasurer Jonathan Grigg said, “On the day, we were blessed with perfect weather. The match was very well supported by all those involved. There were about 38 children of all ages taking part in the hour-long warm-up session – these were from our affiliated kids’ Club - Grasshoppers FC - as well as the local village primary school. One of our players, Russell Withers, assisted the coaches and the school PE teacher in the session for the first half-hour.
“There were around 160 people attending, and we had just over 100 watching the full match, which is fantastic for a Duchy Division 1 game, more than double our usual attendance.
“During the game, I spoke to many of those watching – all of whom had very positive comments about the day and what we were trying to achieve at the Club. Many parents told me that they would now be happy to bring their kids to another of our matches. I was asked by several whether the Club intended to raise a kids’ team in the future as they would be keen to support that and their children would be happy to play locally. This is something that the Club will be looking into now.
The Club has had a positive response from the local community, including messages of support from people who were unable to attend on the day. The Chairman of visiting side, Godolphin Atlantic, Tania Semmens said, “The whole day was truly what the Respect campaign is all about. We, as a club, totally believe it is a very good campaign as we have youngsters from eight years old and believe it instils Respect at an early age. Players and officials can do nothing but learn from the Respect campaign.”
The attention on the behaviour of the club’s players and supporters was prompted by negative incidents towards referees, and bad behaviour from supporters which had put off some people from attending matches and bringing their children to watch.
Referees also have guidance under Respect on how to control the game and deal with players. Jon Harris was the official at St Newlyn East. He agreed that the day was a success, “The club secretary offered me a cup of coffee when I arrived. I was met with a good level of respect from players from both sides and after explaining about the Respect handshake, off we went to the pitch. Overall the game went very well with only one booking. Overall,a good advertisement to the Duchy League.”
“The Respect campaign is more important than most people think, particularly for grass roots football.” This is the view of Shaun Pritchard, St Newlyn East Club Captain, “Respecting the officials will breed confidence in the their ability to make the right decisions, which in turn will protect players, particularly the younger ones, and hopefully allow teams to express themselves on the pitch and overall raise the standard of competition.
“A lack of respect devalues the sport, ruins its credibility and narrows its accessibility for players, supporters and communities on a whole. With our increasing focus on youth development and quality football it puts this campaign at the heart of St Newlyn East FC. “
The Respect programme is now highly visible at St Newlyn East FC with posters and notices in the changing-rooms and the stand; Committee members and others deal with any transgressions in a controlled, light-hearted manner; there is now a Club match mascot to further enhance the family-friendly aspect of the campaign. In addition, food and drinks are now available at every match, and the club are in the process of building a disabled access to the pitch.
Jonathan Grigg added,” Our Sponsors have been encouraged by the efforts, as well as the fact that they are financially supporting a Respect Club. It has been a “selling point” in attracting new sponsors to us. “
The league match on the day ended St Newlyn East 1 Godolphin Atlantic 1.
If you would like advice and assistance in organising a similar event please contact Phil Cardew
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