FA Launches ’21 Days Of Positivity’

The FA took on Blue Monday with the launch of a new behaviour-change campaign, ’21 Days of Positivity.’

The project, delivered with support from agencies Pitch and MATTA, forms part of the FA’s ‘We Only Do Positive’ Respect campaign, which seeks to improve touchline and on-pitch behaviour in youth football across the country.

Research from The FA has shown that 90% of youth footballers perform better with positive encouragement.

In a video released by The FA on ‘Blue Monday,’ supposedly the most depressing day of the year, England’s Ross Barkley and Jesse Lingard, England Women’s Toni Duggan and England Blind squad member Azeem Amir talk openly about how positive encouragement impacted them at a young age, benefiting their lives and careers.

The new, three-week campaign asks parents and coaches involved in youth football to commit to being positive in their approach and to share their positive stories on social media using the #WeOnlyDoPositive hashtag.

The 21-day timeframe of the initiative is based on scientific findings related to the length of time required for people to form a new habit.

Commenting on the project, England and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard said: “I’d advise all parents to support their child when they’re playing football. At a young age, they are just playing for the fun of it. My Mum and Grandad both did a lot to help and it was a great feeling to have your family on your side.”

Lioness and FC Barcelona star Toni Duggan added: “Growing up, I was lucky to have a great support network in my family and coaches around me. My mum never once told me there wasn’t a future in women’s football. Without their positivity and belief, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ll always be grateful.

“There’s no doubt in my mind the importance positivity can have in early football development.”

Across the 21 Days of the campaign, coaches will receive emails from The FA including hints, tips and insight into three key themes; ‘positive environment,’ ‘positive practices’ and ‘positive players.’