Silent Support Weekend

On the weekend of the 5th & 6th November 2022, NEHYL will be one of the Leagues around England piloting a Silent Support Weekend. 

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.

Club & Team Resources for Silent Support Weekend

• Download videos and posters to promote Silent Support Weekend
• Silent Support Weekend Poster 1 1.2MB (JPG)
• Silent Support Weekend Poster 2 1.5MB (JPG)
• Silent Support Weekend Poster 3 1.5MB (JPG)

So what is Play Safe and how is this different?

Silent Support weekend is a separate initiative to the Play Safe Weekend that was held at the beginning of October. Play Safe is football’s national campaign to focus attention on the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game. 

This year’s Play Safe focus remains on the key role of parents/carers in safeguarding, with two main messages being conveyed:

• Are you aware of the vital safeguarding role you play in football?
• Please take the new, short and free safeguarding course specifically developed for parents/carers, which can be accessed here.