Silent Support Weekend returns to grassroots youth football matches across the nation

Our National Silent Support Weekend initiative will be returning this November, aiming once again to champion positive touchline behaviour across grassroots youth football in England.
 
Over the course of the weekend, grassroots leagues nationwide are encouraged to take part by running games that allow the coach’s voice to be heard. The aim is to promote positive forms of support and provide a calm, encouraging environment for young players.

During Silent Support Weekend, spectators are welcome to show appreciation through applause for good play and coaches can offer encouragement to their teams. Spectators are asked to avoid shouting or calling out, helping to create an enjoyable, pressure-free experience for all young players. The initiative is designed to give young players the space to thrive without distractions from the sidelines. In a quieter environment, players can find their voice on the pitch and improve their decision making while developing as players and enjoying the game.

The FA’s Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “Silent Support Weekends have been a great success over recent years, helping to foster a positive environment around matches where young players can flourish and play to their potential, without pressure from the sidelines. By helping to remove these distractions, we hope that together we can inspire lasting change in touchline behaviour, not just for one weekend, but across the whole season.  It’s great to see so many clubs signed up to take part.”

So far 197 leagues are signed up to get involved, with 72,445 teams and 943,269 players set to take part. One league which has been a staunch supporter of the initiative in recent years is the Mid Lancashire Colts Junior Football League. The league’s Secretary, Ian Christopher, said about Silent Support Weekend: “The initiative aligns with our commitment to creating a positive, respectful environment for young players to develop and enjoy their game. It also promotes respect for referees and coaches, helping to reduce sideline criticism and improve the overall atmosphere. Silent Support Weekend reinforces the league’s values of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and youth empowerment -putting the players’ experience at the heart of grassroots football.

The initiative supports the values outlined in our Grassroots Code of Conduct, which sets expectations for behaviour across the grassroots game: Enjoy the Game; Give Respect; Be Inclusive; Work Together; and Play Safe.

Further information on Silent Support Weekend and how to get involved can be found here.

A second national Silent Support Weekend will be held in March 2026. Further details will follow in due course.