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Published 12 March 2026 3 min read
Grassroots Football News

National Silent Support Weekend returns with record level of participation

Written by:

James Barry

Silent Support Weekend returns on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026

MORE: SILENT SUPPORT
The second National Silent Support Weekend of the season takes place this weekend, 14-15 March, aiming to once again encourage positive touchline behaviour across grassroots youth football in England. This year, a record number of leagues and clubs will be participating, with over 1 million players involved across the country. 

Over the course of the weekend, grassroots leagues nationwide are encouraged to take part in National Silent Support Weekend to promote positive forms of support and help create a calm, encouraging environment for young players.
Silent Support Weekend rules
During games, spectators are welcome to show appreciation through applause for good play, while coaches can offer encouragement to their teams. Spectators are asked to avoid shouting or calling out, helping to foster 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.

So far, 210 leagues are signed up, with 76,647 teams and 1,025,478 players set to be involved across the weekend.
Female coach talking to a boy

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The FA's director of football development, James Kendall, said: “The record level of participation for the second Silent Support Weekend of the season highlights just how important this initiative has become for grassroots players. It has established itself as a key moment in the grassroots calendar, giving young players the opportunity to enjoy the game, make their own decisions on the pitch and develop in a positive, supportive environment without pressure from the sidelines.”

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.

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