On Wednesday 11 August 2010, 6 boys from Wattsfield Youth FC represented Westmorland County FA as the flagbearers for the England v Hungary friendly fixture at Wembley Stadium.
Following the appointment from The FA, all teams from the Kent Valley Junior Football League in the under 9 – under 12 age categories were entered into a draw and Wattsfield u11s were the lucky team pulled out of the draw by Kent Valley Junior Football League Chairman - Martin Bean.
Bailey Kenny, Josh Casson, Matt Kennedy, George Tickell, Oliver Tickell and Alvin Wong travelled to Wembley with their parents and Westmorland County FA staff members Adam Panter and Alan Young. After a couple of dress rehearsals the time finally came and at 7.50pm the boys took to the field leading Steven Gerrard & Co onto the hallowed turf for this international friendly. The boys role was to carry the Respect flag as the teams entered the pitch and display the flag as the national anthems were played.
Respect is an initiative that has been embraced by football all around the world as Football Associations, Players, Coaches, Referees and Spectators all recognise the importance and need for greater levels of Respect to be shown within the game.
In Westmorland, the Kent Valley Junior Football League implemented Respect into their league structure for the 2009/10 season and compared to the previous season, cautions and misconduct decreased by over 50%. The league have achieved these fantastic results in raising standards of the game by implementing Respect initiatives such as designated spectator areas, only the captain speaking to the referee and each team having a Respect Ambassador.
After leading the teams out onto the pitch, the boys took their seats in the stand for what turned out to be an exciting and open game.
For more details about the Respect campaign and how it could have an impact on your league or club, please contact Alan Young on 01539 730946 or email Alan.Young@WestmorlandFA.com