North Riding County FA and the Scarborough & District Minor League have announced the launch of a pilot project to reward positive behaviour within youth football.

The scheme, which will run from February to May, will target players, managers, coaches and spectators, with the aim of rewarding those clubs who are shown to be displaying positive behaviours.

The project will see teams asked to appoint Matchday Assistants at each of their home games, whose responsibilities will include, welcoming opposition teams and referees to their club, acting as a point of contact should anyone wish to raise a concern on a matchday, and to behave in a manner that will encourage people to have a positive experience. In addition, teams will also be asked to rate each other’s behaviour at the end of each game, taking into account the behaviour of the players on the field and those on the sideline.

Steven Wade, Chief Executive of North Riding FA, on launching the project said: “We are delighted to be working with the Scarbrough & District Minor League on this pilot project. We know from our data that those involved in youth football in the league generally have a very positive experience. The aim of the project is to reward those clubs that are working hard to promote positive behaviour within the game, whilst also highlighting and providing additional support to teams that might require help in doing so.”

George Roberts, Chair of the Scarborough & District Minor League, added: “As a league we are always keen to ensure that young people have fun and enjoy the game. We are proud that the majority of our games are played and supported positively. By working with North Riding FA on this project we want to reward those who are behaving well and tackle any poor behaviour that might be identified.”

The behaviour rating of each team in the league will be collated between now and the end of the season and those clubs who are scored most highly will be entered into a draw to win a variety of prizes on offer from the league and North Riding County FA.