Harry Kane and Steph Houghton have penned open letters to parents and spectators of youth football, as they help to launch the FA's 'Pledge for Positivity'.

The FA has launched the Pledge of Positivity, encouraging those on the side-lines to support all players involved and respect referees, coaches and other spectators.

It comes following a recent survey which found 88 percent of over 1,000 grassroots participants cited parents as a driving force behind the levels of disrespect in grassroots football.

The England captains are the first two people to sign up to the pledge, based on The FA’s RESPECT behavioural code of conduct which seeks to improve behavioural standards in football, creating a more positive environment at matches across the country.

Kane and Houghton have also penned a joint letter to parents and spectators painted into the touchlines at their childhood clubs: Harry Kane’s Ridgeway Rovers, in Essex and Steph Houghton’s Boldon Girls, in South Shields.

England men’s captain Harry Kane, a father of two, said: “As parents and spectators, it is our job to make sure that children enjoy playing football.

"The pitch should be a place of support and encouragement.

"Youngsters should never feel pressure or intimidation from the side-lines, so I’m delighted to add my name to the Pledge of Positivity and I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to do the same.”

Lionesses captain Steph Houghton added: “Positivity is essential in football. It’s important to create an environment where everyone enjoys playing.

"There are small things you can do on the touchline – like applauding good play from both teams – that has a big impact on young players.”

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