Posters can show respect

The Kent FA have launched a poster campaign to highlight their ‘respect’ message in youth football.

Their campaign comes off the back of a recent statement issued which revealed the shocking extent of poor behaviour at grassroots level.

Children from across the county, aged between six and 16, are being invited to design and send in posters which encourage a more positive environment at matches played in Kent. Winning posters will win their own football club an FA Respect pack which contains plenty of goodies including umbrellas, bibs, t-shirts and beanies.

The competition will run for six weeks and close on Friday, May 17.

Kent FA chief executive Darryl Haden said: “By inviting children to take part in this competition, we are providing them with a platform to encourage others to be respectful and create a positive environment for young people when playing football.

“Unfortunately, since the return of football we have keen a spike in discipline reports including abuse towards match officials, and these posters will spur on others to help create a positive culture when people are at matches. We are really excited to see what posters young people create.”

The Kent FA’s shocking list of incidents issued last month revealed that there were nine games at under-18 level abandoned due to poor behaviour in as many weeks.

Speedway

Speedway’s return to action next month remains on track but the Kent Kings have decided against offering season tickets for the coming campaign.

The 2020 season was a complete write-off and the Kings refunded their ticket holders but for this year only they have made the decision to only sell on a race by race basis.

Co-promoter Len Silver explained: “Given the uncertainties of the Covid situation with possible future interruptions, it has been decided that it would be unwise to issue season tickets this year. One of the deciding factors was our observation of problems created by such tickets at other venues.”

The Kings start their home Championship campaign against Leicester on Tuesday, May 18.