FA Launches Latest Respect Film
The FA has launched an online viral video that aims to stop pushy parents shouting abuse at their children during the grassroots football season.
The campaign features actor Ray Winstone talking straight to camera about how grown-ups do not stand for any abuse in their day-to-day life.
The film is the latest element of the marketing campaign for The FA’s Respect programme that aims to highlight and address unacceptable behaviour in football.
In the 75-second film, called ‘Elders and Betters’, an aggressive, angry father shouts down to a young teary-eyed boy that he is a loser for not playing well.
The clip, which ends with the tagline “Lose Respect, Lose the Game”, has been developed by advertising agency Contentment Worldwide.
The ad has been timed to launch ahead of the start of the grassroots football season in about two weeks time.
About 7,000 referees quit football every year, according to The FA, because of the abuse they receive from players and from the sidelines. Lots of children also stop playing the game because of the attitude and actions of over-enthusiastic and pushy parents.
