AFC Oakley are proud to be supporting the FA Silent Support Weekend on the 25^th and 26^th February.  As a club we have 27 youth teams from u6s right the way through the U16s and we are really excited to see how this weekend works and encourage all of our spectators to take part and just let the players play their game.

Having been successfully piloted across Junior Grassroots Leagues across England last year, the Silent Support Weekend will return this weekend giving another opportunity for the players to let their football do the talking. The first national pilot gave youth players the opportunity to explore, find their voice and take control of the game. The goal is to continue to find out how to make the game better for them so they can improve as players and a team.

Across the country The FA received feedback from over 3,000 people who participated in the first pilot in November 2022 and this has been taken on board to tailor this second Silent Support Weekend.

This time we’re asking parents and supporters to show their backing from the side-lines through applause only, while allowing coaches to still give input throughout the course of the game. This allows the players to step up but feel they can get support from their coach if they need to.

Overall, the benefits on player development are clear, helping them to talk more and better support their teammates. Less outside influence gives them more independence and the chance to practice key skills without instruction. It also allows the players to identify areas for development and explore new tactics on the pitch, which all supports their own development of critical thinking and enhance their playing journey.

As with the last silent weekend, there will the opportunity to give feedback and I will share the process of doing this as soon as I have the details.

Thank you for your ongoing support.