Credit: Matthew Appleton. Fives in Stretford where the FA Silent Support Initiative took place
Parents at junior football matches this weekend were asked not to shout from the sidelines to mark the FA Cup’s silent support initiative.
Over one million players were involved, with silent support coming in response to rising numbers of abuse to referees and officials during grassroots football matches.
Taking part was The Manchester Youth Super League (MYSL), based in Stretford, which boasts 1200 teams.
Billy Hilton, who runs the MYSL, said “It is to keep parents in check, to keep them quiet and to show that you don’t have to shout at your kids when they’re playing football.
“It’s a cup competition, everybody wants to win, but you’ve got to let the referee get on with it, he’s going to make mistakes, let the kids get on with it, and just appreciate what you’re watching, a good level of competition.”
Referees often bear the burden of shouting, with over 98% of grassroots referees having experienced verbal abuse in the past.
Mr Hilton, said: “we try to make our referees feel protected, so no one’s bullying them.”
“You’re never going to stop it, because everyone’s going to have that bad moment where they can’t control themselves, but we try our best.
“If you’re a human being, and you’re questioning people or referees during a kid’s football who are 6 or 7, you’ve got to really question your mentality as a person.
“It’s not illegal to shout, you’re not going to get banned or fined, it’s just an initiative that the FA wants people to see, you don’t have to shout at your children when you’re playing football.”
The initiative has been running since 2022, with 210 leagues, and 76,647 teams taking part this weekend.
James Kendall, the FA’s director of football development said: “The record level of participation for the second Silent Support Weekend highlights just how important this initiative has become.
“It gives 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.”
Mr Hilton, who also watches as a parent, admitted it was strange not to cheer on his son during his games.
“As a parent, I love supporting and saying, ‘well done’ so I’m going to miss not being able to say that today.
“Yesterday, my son played really well and scored three goals, and I was just clapping and I felt really proud, but I couldn’t express that, and that was really strange.”
His son, however, feels differently about the silent support initiative.
“My son thinks it’s too much noise sometimes, so he enjoys silent support, and he thrives and plays better in that environment” said Mr Hilton.
“All silent support does is it gives them the realisation that actually their kids play as good without you shouting at them, in fact they probably play better because they’re not as confused.”
Listen to the Audio Package of FA Silent Support Weekend here