If you were a parent going to see your young son or daughter play football last weekend, you may have been met with a request to show your support by hand clapping only.
Earlier this year I wrote how young referees often receive abuse not only from coaches, but also from spectators, mainly parents. This, however, is not about referees but aimed at stopping parents shouting at the young players during the game. It is part of what is called the ‘Silent Support Football Weekend’.
The FA have at last followed the example of countries like America and Holland where silent youth matches have been imposed for many years.
The idea is to allow youth players to make their own decisions, to play the game with freedom, without pressure and without the emphasis on winning at all costs. Coaches, like spectators must keep quiet during the game although they are still free to give instructions before the game and at half time.
Earlier this year a mother told a national newspaper, how she hated taking her son to play football, because of the behaviour of the parents. Her biggest bugbear she said, was the parents, mainly dads, who act as if their small children were the game’s next Beckham, Grealish or Kane.
They heckle and shout from the side lines, lambasting their children. Instead, she wrote, why don’t they just let their children enjoy their football. I am on her side.
I may be old fashioned but I believe sport should be fun. We all like to win but that comes second place to enjoying taking part. I’ve often told new referees, that our job when refereeing, is to help players enjoy their game.
There are two aspects to fathers shouting advice at their offspring. One is that it can conflicts with the coaches instructions, making the poor child confused. The other is that often it can be reproachful.
I remember when in America, listening to a young boy who was asked why he had given up soccer for skate boarding. Because my father knows nothing about skate boarding was his answer. I wonder how many young people have given up the game becoming fed up with their know-all parents, shouting remarks about their playing.
In other countries where silent football has been used, the young players have said how much they enjoy it. This is the first of two Silent Support Weekends that the FA have planned this season and if they get the same response, I’m sure it will become a regular feature for youth football in this country.
