Van-Tam praises impact of football abuse scheme

Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam made tackling abuse in grassroots sport a priority when he was appointed chairman of the Lincolnshire FA in 2023

The chairman of the Lincolnshire Football Association says measures brought in to tackle poor behaviour from spectators at children's matches have had a "hugely positive impact".

Prof Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, who became a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic, said the initiatives were introduced for the 2024/2025 season in a bid to stop adults "ruining youth football".

They included a physical barrier at every match to prevent people from entering the field of play, along with marshals and a ban on spectators behind the goals.

"There are still pockets where there is a persistent behaviour problem, but by in large most of our clubs are great," Sir Jonathan said.

A report outlining the impact of the measures showed a 42% reduction in incidents of failing to control supporters - down from 52 in the 2023/2024 season to 30 in the 2024/2025 season.

There was also a 35% reduction in serious case reports across Lincolnshire affiliated youth leagues - down from 48 in 2023/2024 to 31 in 2024/2025.

In an interview with BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Sir Jonathan, who is a keen Boston Utd fan, said the Positive Matchday Environment (PME) initiative had been warmly welcomed.

He said: "There were very few clubs or individuals who said it wasn't necessary.

"We do have a problem in Lincolnshire with adults ruining youth football - and we had to do something to try and fix it."

Sir Jonathon previously criticised the behaviour of some parents attending youth games

Sir Jonathan said he was pleased with the progress, but said football was a very emotional and passionate game and it would be "silly" to think issues with spectators could be totally stamped out.

However, he added: "What we can't do is have feedback where the majority of the comments about why kids didn't like playing football was about the behaviour of their parents.

"We will absolutely be keeping going with this and thank you to the vast majority that embraced the change from the off."

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