The East Lancashire Football Alliance has been recognised at the highest level for its support of the FA’s Respect and Fair Play award.

The local junior football league which is sponsored by Forbes Solicitors and McDonalds takes it place alongside the Grantham Football League at the Charity Shield on August 16 to receive the national award.

“We knew we had won the Silver Award as winners of the North West Region, but to be recognised at the very top is remarkable. Overall there were over 500 Respect nominations representing the length and breadth of the country,” said League Secretary Craig Wilkinson.

“The FA recognised our support of Respect, particularly during the Lancashire FA’s Silent Weekend and we think most people involved in junior football know that the attitudes of coaches and parents are changing for the better.

Kids have the right to enjoy their football in a positive, friendly environment and It is that ethos that we are trying to spread amongst our member clubs.”

The FA’s Respect and Fair Play campaign is certainly having a positive effect with cautions and dismissals on the field of play both down and off field incidents involving coaches and spectators down 10 per cent.

“We think this award is for everyone involved with the ELFA. Our committee has worked tirelessly to get the message across and we are heartened by the response from our member clubs. In the last four years we have not had one example of Respect bad practice from our u7-10s age groups,” added Wilkinson.