The Lincolnshire FA launched the Positive Club Cultures initiative in 2023/24 in response to rising concerns surrounding the behavior of adults—both participants and spectators—at youth football matches.

Safeguarding Validation Visits revealed that inconsistent club cultures, practices, and expectations were contributing factors to the issue.

The project was submitted by Lincolnshire FA for a 2024 County FA Recognition Award in the Positive Environment category. 

Context: Addressing Rising Concerns

Misconduct from adult participants, including coaches and spectators, was a growing issue in youth football across Lincolnshire. Reports highlighted that clubs with stronger, more positive cultures fostered better conduct and community spirit. Clubs with less-defined cultures, however, saw more negative behavior on matchdays, which affected the overall football experience, especially for young players.

A particular challenge was how to equip grassroots clubs, often run by volunteers, with the tools to build positive, strong cultures that could influence behavior on and off the pitch. Through consultation and engagement with stakeholders, the Lincolnshire FA identified the key components of a positive club culture: clear expectations, routines, and a sense of community. This formed the foundation of the Positive Club Cultures initiative, aimed at helping clubs lead, manage, and challenge behaviors while creating a positive environment for all.

Insight and Data: Recognising the Need for Change

Data collected over the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons revealed a consistent pattern of adult misconduct in youth football. In the 2022/23 season, 55% of misconduct reports were related to the behavior of coaches or adult spectators. This increased to 56% in 2023/24. Shockingly, 30% of all youth football misconduct charges in the latest season were related to spectators alone.

The data highlighted the urgent need to address these behaviors and protect young players' experiences. Negative conduct, especially towards young referees, was a particular concern. When speaking with clubs, it became clear that some clubs lacked proactive measures to address misconduct, often choosing to complete the disciplinary process without reflecting on their club culture. However, clubs with stronger cultures demonstrated clear governance, peer accountability, and a commitment to creating positive matchday environments.

Action: Creating a Framework for Positive Culture

To tackle the issue head-on, Lincolnshire FA engaged all levels of the football community, from club players and parents to governance bodies and high-profile league representatives.

The Club Culture Review was introduced, a formal process assessing various elements of a club’s environment—from matchdays and training to governance and discipline trends. After a thorough three-week review, clubs received a comprehensive presentation of their strengths and areas for development.

Two key sub-groups were also formed: the Behaviours Sub-Group and the Safeguarding Sub-Group, made up of grassroots volunteers, County FA Board members, and other stakeholders. These groups acted as advisory panels, ensuring the project was informed by real-world club needs and challenges.

The final outcome was a standardised ‘matchday environment’ template, which outlined expectations for positive matchday conduct. The support of local youth leagues ensured this initiative became embedded within localised rules, creating consistency across Lincolnshire. Clubs were also financially supported to acquire respect barriers, a visual symbol of their commitment to positive conduct.

Results: Positive Changes Across Lincolnshire

The initiative has already delivered impactful results. One club in a challenging area, for example, had accumulated 10 misconduct investigations by mid-season. After participating in a Respect Workshop and working closely with the Lincolnshire FA, the club recorded no further investigations for the rest of the season.

Similar workshops were delivered to other clubs, with tailored approaches based on each club’s cultural challenges. One club took the initiative even further by requesting video content to educate young players on discrimination and appropriate conduct. Real-life examples of inappropriate language were scripted into the video, created with the help of Lincoln University students and featuring the club's players.

See the finished video here:

Next Steps: Scaling the Initiative

The success of the Positive Club Cultures initiative will lead to its wider rollout in the 2024/25 season. Club Culture Reviews will be promoted as an optional but valuable tool for clubs seeking to strengthen their environments. These reviews will also be incorporated into Safeguarding Validation Visits and used as a resource for Accredited Clubs.

Amendments to local youth league rules ensure that the standardised matchday environment is a sustainable and long-term model. Plans for ‘mystery shopper’ visits to monitor matchday conduct will further support clubs in maintaining high standards of behavior.

Finally, a video production company is creating a visual representation of what positive matchday environments should look like, ensuring that clubs have ongoing access to resources that can support their continued growth.

Through the Positive Club Cultures initiative, Lincolnshire FA is committed to building a safer, more supportive football community where positive behaviors are the norm, and young players can thrive.

Ben Pearce, Head of Safeguarding & Football Operations at Lincolnshire FA, said: "Through the Positive Club Cultures initiative, we've empowered grassroots football clubs to take ownership of their environments, fostering respect and positivity both on and off the pitch. By addressing misconduct and building stronger club communities, we're creating a safer, more inclusive space for young players to enjoy the game."

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