Lincolnshire clubs rewarded after keeping their cool on the pitch

Dozens of grassroots football clubs across Lincolnshire have been rewarded for showing discipline and respect on the pitch during the 2024/25 season.

The Lincolnshire FA today announced the adult 11-a-side teams who ended the campaign with four or fewer penalty points - a system that punishes serious offences such as dissent, violent conduct and abusive language.

Among those recognised are AFC Crosby, Barnetby United, Scotter United, Ancaster Athletic, Freiston, Blue Bell Rangers, Lincoln Sunday, Grimsby & Cleethorpes Sun and Ruston Sports.

Each club is receiving a rebate on affiliation and insurance fees, a bag of 12 footballs, and a first aid kit as part of the rewards package.

Lincolnshire FA Chair, Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, said the rewards send a clear message: “Respect and positive conduct are at the heart of what makes grassroots football so special."

"We are determined that we will no longer invest in clubs who have persistently poor behaviour, and instead focus this sort of attention on our thriving, community clubs who create positive matchday environments.”

The move follows the success of the FA’s Positive Matchday Environment programme in youth football last season, which saw disciplinary issues drop across the county. Attention is now firmly on the adult game.

CEO Nick Hanson added: “We’re incredibly proud to recognise the clubs who have shown that respect and discipline can go hand in hand with competitiveness and success.”

The FA hopes the scheme will encourage more teams to play the game in the right spirit.