The FA & NEHYL have announced that this coming weekend - Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November 2022 - will be Silent Support Weekend.

The NEHYL states:

"We need a reminder to make sure we put the players first. All the time, in every match.

Too often, there are too many voices from the touchline, too many opinions, and too much unnecessary distraction.

It’s why we’re trialling a Silent Support Weekend to promote Respect in Youth Football, and we want coaches and spectators to play an important role in our pilot programme.

This will involve coaches and spectators having minimal verbal contact throughout games. Praise good play by applauding and be supportive to both teams; but above all else let the players play and express themselves out on the pitch.

Our aim at NEHYL is simple: to raise awareness of the need to create a positive and pressure-free environment in which children can enjoy football and learn to love and develop their game, without an over-emphasis on winning at all costs."

The Bourne Blades FC fully supports this initiative, so let's make sure we all use applause only to encourage and support our teams this weekend!

Further details on the NEHYL website here: https://www.nehyl.org.uk/silent-support-weekend