FA Offers Free Counselling For Discrimination Victims As Efforts To Tackle Abuse Grow

The FA is offering free counselling and mental-health support to victims of hate and discrimination in grassroots football.

Recent figures from the 2023 to 2024 season show a 17% rise in discrimination charges and a 13% rise in serious misconduct cases. Surveys also show that poor behaviour is affecting people at every level. Seven out of ten players, referees and spectators say it has a major impact on their experience.

Support will be delivered by Sporting Chance, the charity founded by Tony Adams. Victims can access up to six counselling sessions in person or online. Extra help is available in some cases. They will also be taught simple self care methods to support their mental health.

The FA has tried to get tougher on bad behaviour. More cases now lead to charges and stronger punishments are being handed out. Last season, 71% of charges were proven. Offenders received a record number of bans and were required to complete education courses. The FA is also testing new measures such as captains only communication, cooling off breaks and referee body cameras.

Centre Circle is firmly behind efforts to protect people in the game. We support anyone who suffers abuse at grassroots level. Participants who use our platform have access to an urgent support button. When they tap it, an alert is sent straight to us, their league and their County FA. If they are under 18, their parents are also notified. This means we can respond quickly and make sure they get the help they need.