Saturday 22nd September 2018

Use of Social Media – Understanding the impact on Grassroots Football

Following a social media post that appeared following last weekend’s game between AFC Urmston Meadowside Football Club and Salford City FC Lionesses, a number of messages in response to the original Twitter post have occurred.

In this statement we must point out that there are no questions in relation to the validity of the original post that appeared from the Salford City official twitter account.

What has appeared since that original post are many un-official responses that have had an impact on the players of AFC Urmston Meadowside and in particular their Goalkeeper who is aged 16.  

Whilst appreciating those commenting will not have been aware of this position, we wish to make this an official joint statement to raise awareness of the use of social media within Grassroots and the impact that this has had.   We wish to place on record that some of those comments that have appeared are not helpful to the grassroots game or those participants that first and foremost are playing to enjoy the game and to make people aware of the impact it can have.

Manchester FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer; Lauren McCorry commented further ‘This incident on Social Media has further illustrated that albeit a productive format to communicate the best of grassroots, it can result in negative views that do not support the game or the young players that are involved.  The impact can be wide ranging and can affect the well being of any individual.  Manchester FA cannot condone the derogatory responses that we have seen and we would urge and ask all those involved in our great game to consider the impact of their posts at all times’.

Matt Carr – Head of Safeguarding & Welfare at AFC Urmston Meadowside has stated ‘It’s been a difficult week for our young goalkeeper to see such posts commenting on the role that she played in the game at the weekend.  We are all here to develop young people as well as players and whilst we recognise the volatility of social media we feel strongly that we must with Manchester FA make our views known.  We hope that bringing this to the attention of others it will serve to both recognise our commitment to the welfare of young people, but also serve to support our players and in particular our young goalkeeper’.

For further information on the guidelines and best practice for use of Social Media for clubs, leagues and volunteers, please contact Media@ManchesterFA.com