One of the key pieces of feedback received during the consultation process for our new #MovingForward 2028 Strategy was a need for greater emphasis on improving the matchday experience. As a direct result, we've refreshed our #PlayYourPart pack to make it more engaging and shareable.

A new range of ‘Matchday Environment’ resources is now available to download and share, with grassroots football clubs, referees, spectators, coaches and players being encouraged to #PlayYourPart and establish the best possible inclusive environment for everyone involved with the game. The resources include:

Videos: Five animated #PlayYourPart videos on YouTube. The voiceovers for all of these have been provided by BBC Essex presenters, who are proud to support the #PlayYourPart campaign.

Infographics: The videos are aligned with new infographics, which are easy to download and share via social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp. They can also be printed to feature in clubhouses, changing rooms and noticeboards etc.

Matchday Environment Pack: This has been re-created with all the useful information from the previous edition, but in a more concise format, which also includes all of the infographics in one place. These will guide participants to ensure the matchday environment is the best it can be.

Essex County FA Chief Executive, Brendan Walshe, is delighted with the new resources: “These #PlayYourPart resources are supporting grassroots participants to set standards on and off the pitch, creating a united Essex football environment that tackles inequalities, delivers inspirational football opportunities and improves health for all.”

“The grassroots game in Essex is thriving, with tens of thousands of registered players competing in thousands of games every weekend. Essex is one of the largest counties for football participation. This is hugely positive, and credit goes to the grassroots volunteer workforce. To continue to build on, and sustain, this brilliant foundation, these resources are helping to ensure the best and most inclusive environment continues to be created.”

BBC Essex are supporting the re-launch of the new resources, and presenters Sonia Watson, Victoria Polley, Rob Jelly, Ben Fryer and Ian Puckey provided the video voiceovers. Victoria, BBC Essex Sports Editor, commented: “Essex is home to a thriving grassroots football community and, at BBC Essex, we recognise the importance of fairness and respect at all levels in the game, which is why we’re proud to have partnered with the Essex County FA on this project.”

You can access the new #PlayYourPart Matchday Environment resources by following this link and you can also find us on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.