FA Positivity Champions — The Complete Guide for Grassroots Clubs

The FA's Positivity Champions scheme for 2026-27 is the most valuable free asset in grassroots football. One club per month wins a visit from the Community Shield trophy and a Respect the Standard bundle. Here's everything you need to know.

No competitor has built a single asset around this scheme. Every other tool in the market sells software. The FA is giving away recognition for free. This page is the first guide for clubs who want to win it.

What Is the FA Positivity Champions Scheme?

Launched for the 2026-27 season, the FA Positivity Champions scheme recognises grassroots football clubs that demonstrate exceptional positive behaviour, respect, and inclusion at matches.

Each month, one club is selected to receive:

A visit from the Community Shield trophy — the actual trophy, at your club
A Respect the Standard bundle — branded kit, signage, and digital assets
Social media content — the FA provides templates and content for you to share
Recognition — featured on FA channels and county FA communications

How to Enter

Nomination — Clubs are nominated through the FA's grassroots network. Nominations typically come from county FAs, referees, or other clubs who have witnessed positive behaviour at a match.
Evidence — The FA looks for clubs with documented respect campaigns, referee recognition, spectator behaviour standards, and inclusive participation.
Selection — One club per month is selected across all grassroots football in England.
Visit — The FA arranges a visit from the Community Shield trophy and delivers the Respect the Standard bundle.

What the FA Looks For

Referee Respect

Clubs that actively support referees — Respect the Ref campaigns, referee appreciation posts, zero abuse incidents.

Spectator Behaviour

Parents and supporters who model positive behaviour. No sideline abuse, no shouting at officials.

Inclusive Participation

Clubs that welcome all players regardless of ability, background, or gender. Mixed teams, disability football, women's sections.

Community Impact

Clubs that give back — charity matches, community events, volunteer recognition, sponsor appreciation.

How to Maximise Your Chances

Document everything — Post about referee respect, spectator behaviour, and community impact on your socials. The FA checks.
Run a Respect campaign — Even a simple "Respect the Ref" poster campaign shows intent. Document it.
Engage your county FA — County FAs nominate clubs. Make sure your county FA knows what you're doing.
Be consistent — One good week isn't enough. The FA looks for sustained positive behaviour across a season.
Share the story — When you do something positive, post about it. Tag your county FA. Make it visible.

What to Do If You Win

If your club wins the FA Positivity Champions award:

Host the trophy visit — Organise a club event around the Community Shield visit. Invite sponsors, parents, and local press.
Use the digital assets — The FA provides social media templates. Post them everywhere.
Leverage for sponsors — "FA Positivity Champions" is a powerful sponsor pitch. "Our club was recognised by the FA for positive behaviour" — sponsors want to be associated with that.
Build on it — Use the win as a foundation for ongoing respect and positivity campaigns. Don't let it be a one-off.

How AI Suite Helps

Automated Respect Content

AI Suite generates referee respect posts, spectator behaviour reminders, and community impact content automatically. Keep your positive behaviour visible all season.

See Referee Respect Campaign →

Sponsor Thank-You Graphics

When you win, your sponsors should be the first to know. AI Suite generates personalised sponsor thank-you graphics automatically.

See Sponsor Graphics →

Matchday Content Automation

Consistent, professional content all season — not just on award day. AI Suite automates matchday graphics, social posts, and club communications.

See Off-Pitch Content →

FAQ

What is the FA Positivity Champions scheme?

The FA Positivity Champions scheme is a 2026-27 initiative that recognises grassroots football clubs demonstrating positive behaviour, respect, and inclusion. One club per month receives a visit from the Community Shield trophy and a Respect the Standard bundle.

How do clubs enter?

Clubs are nominated through the FA's grassroots network. Nominations typically come from county FAs, referees, or other clubs who have witnessed positive behaviour at a match.

What do winners receive?

Winners receive a visit from the Community Shield trophy and a Respect the Standard bundle. The FA also provides digital assets and social media content templates for the winning club to share.

Is there a cost to enter?

No. The scheme is completely free. It's the FA's way of recognising positive behaviour in grassroots football.

Can any club win?

Any grassroots football club in England can be nominated. The key is demonstrating sustained positive behaviour across a season, not just one good week.