Nationwide Partners With The FA For Respect Campaign

Nationwide Building Society has signed a new three-year partnership with The FA, and will support the body’s grassroots Respect campaign.

The building society says it is committed to investing in and improving communities across the UK, and has undertaken research to show that there are ‘increasing levels of disrespect’ in the UK – something it aims to tackle.

In order to kick off the partnership, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England legend John Barnes surprised a grassroots club who thought they were attending an FA Respect training session (above).

According to the research, 66% of the British public say that levels of disrespect have become unacceptable, with 71% feeling that the problem has worsened in the last two years. 

Meanwhile, 80% of those surveyed believe public figures are responsible for setting a good example, with 63% believing that footballers should set an example by showing respect on the pitch. 

Nationwide has pledged to ensure that 1 million parents and coaches engage with The FA Respect programme over the next 3 years to help build a more mutually respectful society both on and off the pitch. 

The launch of the partnership comes as The FA, in consultation with the UK government, has announced that a return to outdoor competitive grassroots football is now possible under adherence to hygiene and safety measures.

Sara Bennison, Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer, said: “2020 has not been the year any of us expected.  So much distress.  But we have also had a sharp reminder of how dependent on each other we all are.  Fostering greater mutual respect becomes more important than ever.  The FA have demonstrated such a great commitment to this at a grassroots level and we are delighted to be able to help them expand their Respect programme”

Kathryn Swarbrick, Commercial and Marketing Director at The FA, said: “Together with Nationwide we have identified a common purpose which aims to change behaviours in the game through The FA Respect programme. It’s critical that we continue to support clubs and teams across the country, to ensure that football is a positive and welcoming environment for all.

“A clear purpose now underpins the majority of our partnerships, as we look to invest in initiatives which are making a real difference to football, in both the short and long term. It’s great to welcome Nationwide back as a partner and we are looking forward to seeing the impact that we’re able to create together, to ensure football is a fun and inclusive experience for all involved.”

The FA has added that, while the focus of the Nationwide partnership will be to increase levels of mutual respect within the game and wider society, it is hoped that the investment being made by Nationwide will be felt throughout grassroots football in additional ways via work done by the association.