Huddersfield YMCA’s junior football section have introduced their own Respect campaign.

It is not only aimed at the players and coaches, but parents and spectators alike.

It comes after the Football Association placed an emphasis in recent years on improving respect within the game, especially at grass-roots level.

The FA focuses on four key aspects – creating a club ethos, the role of the coach, creating a positive playing and coaching environment and managing the matchday environment.

It is this that has inspired YMCA to implement their own ideas and version of Respect at the club.

Claire Brewster, Helen Batley and Michael Batley are the three child welfare officers on board at YMCA, aiming to improve respect and promote good behaviour from spectators and parents to help encourage the children.

Representing the child welfare officers, Brewster said: “We as a club have put several measures in place to try and eradicate something that isn’t wanted or tolerated in the junior game or, indeed, football at any level.

“We see our role at the YMCA as not only to ensure our coaches have the appropriate skills via the FA training system, but that they are also screened by the nationally recognised DBS system (formally known as CRB) and, of course, vetted internally, to make sure we have the ‘right kind of person’ encouraging and developing our enthusiastic players in a safe environment.

“We want to actively promote the FA-backed Respect campaign but, most importantly, let the players enjoy playing the beautiful game of football without applying unnecessary pressure or criticism.”

This season YMCA have had an increase in the number of junior players joining the club, with ages ranging from four to 18 years. Around 175 have been registered.

Brewster added: “As a committee we decided that as part of the signing on, the parents would be asked to watch the FA’s Respect DVD.

“We have introduced Respect barriers at pitchside to ensure spectators stand in designated areas during matches, where there is also a reminder of the spectators’ code of conduct. We also have the FA’s codes of conduct signs displayed around the grounds.”

YM’s efforts have been supported well by parents and children, who are asked to provide feedback where possible.

“At the end of every season we encourage feedback from our junior section with our player questionnaire. This gives the players a chance to tell us anonymously what we are doing right or wrong,” she added.

“We know football can be a passionate sport and hope that this approach will make people more aware of how negative comments and behaviour can affect a child’s confidence and enjoyment.”

Respect videos are available to watch on both the Huddersfield YMCA and FA websites.