This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme is ‘Choose Respect’, and we're fully behind the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s (ABA) activities, urging local clubs to download and share The FA’s comprehensive policy template.

As in previous years, we're keen to support the week of action (Monday 11th to Friday 15th November) by asking for the help of local clubs, who are encouraged to sign-up to the FA Anti-Bullying Policy. Available to download from our website, the template provides clubs with guidance on:

* signs and indicators of bullying;
* types of abuse, including discrimination and online bullying;
* organisations who can provide help and support for both parents and young people.

Anti-Bullying Week calls on children and young people to take a lead in creating a future without bullying, using new technologies to promote positive communication rather than being held back by cyberbullying. The objectives of the week are:

* to ensure all children and young people are equipped to recognise and challenge bullying behaviour wherever it happens - whether face-to-face or in cyberspace;
* to equip schools, colleges and youth service leaders with resources to encourage youth-led anti-bullying initiatives and the positive use of new technologies;
* to educate those who support and work with children to recognise those who may be particularly vulnerable to bullying through new technologies - encouraging an inclusive approach to all e-safety education.

In football, the FA Grassroots Code helps children understand how they should behave whilst at football by giving respect and being inclusive. Everyone can take a moment during this year’s Anti-Bullying Week to revisit and reinforce the Grassroots Code with youth players, focussing on, kindness and acceptance.

Grown-ups can also get involved by sharing the parent/carer anti-bullying resources and reminding all adults to lead by example. Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: “This Anti-Bullying Week, we want to empower children and young people to not resort to bullying, even when we disagree, and remind adults to lead by example on and off the football pitch.”

Sue Ravenlaw, The FA’s Head of Safeguarding, added: “Supporting Anti-Bullying Week is one of the many ways football can raise awareness of safeguarding and help to create a healthy culture, where children give respect and embrace difference.”

Please download The FA’s Anti-Bullying Policy template for grassroots clubs below. You can also visit the Anti-Bullying Alliance website to find out more about Anti-Bullying Week, and the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance. For direct support in dealing with bullying issues within youth football, please contact your Club Welfare Officer.