Seadogs backing campaign to boost behaviour

Scarborough Athletic are planning to be on their best behaviour on Saturday after announcing that they'll be promoting the Football Association's Respect programme at their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clash with Bedworth United.

The Seadogs are teaming up with the North Riding FA for a series of events in Bridlington during the First Division South fixture and officials say they are "proud" to highlight the FA's campaign which has gone from strength-to-strength since its launch in 2008.

Players from Boro's junior sides will be showing off their skills in a training session before kick-off, as well as holding a fun penalty shoot out at half-time. Spectators attending Queensgate will also be reminded of the Respect Code of Conduct, which aims to address unacceptable behaviour in football.

The Respect campaign aims to tackle bad behaviour from grassroots to the highest levels of the game with the FA currently estimating that on average 7,000 referees quit football every year due to the abuse they receive from players and crowds on matchdays.

Since its launch, 40,000 FA coaches and referees have received Respect training while 854 leagues have signed up and committed themselves to the campaign.