Record numbers to participate in National Silent Support Weekend

The first National Silent Support Weekend of the 2026-27 season takes place this weekend, with record numbers of participants, clubs and leagues signing up to encourage positive touchline behaviour across grassroots youth football in England.

After surpassing 1 million participants for the first time in the last National Silent Support Weekend in March 2026, the initiative returns this weekend to demonstrate how a pressure-free environment benefits young players.

Grassroots leagues across the country are encouraged to take part to promote positive forms of support and help create a calm, encouraging environment.

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. The initiative is designed to give young players the space to thrive without distractions from the sidelines.

So far, a record number of 231 leagues, 82,330 teams and 1,030,243 players have signed up to be involved across the weekend. This is the first of two National Silent Support Weekends in the 2026-27 season, with the second to take place in Spring 2027.

The FA’s Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “The ever-growing popularity of our Silent Support Weekend demonstrates the importance of this initiative and the positive impact it is having on grassroots youth players. It’s so pleasing to see record numbers of participants, clubs and leagues, and we look forward to seeing young players across the country enjoying the positive environments at their fixtures as part of the Silent Support Weekend.”

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.