RICHMOND, Va. (November 7, 2024) - The ECNL is proud to announce the launch of the "Red Isn't Your Color™" campaign, a league-wide call to encourage and promote fair play, sportsmanship and to reduce the number of red cards throughout youth soccer related to foul and abusive language and behavior from players and spectators.
The Red Isn't Your Color™ campaign is an extension of the ECNL's mission to Raise The Game and set new standards of excellence in youth sports. Red Isn't Your Color™ will encourage players, coaches, parents and fans to be the best version of themselves, on and off the field, and to display leadership and great character in the exciting and passionate moments inherent in youth sports.
Red cards for poor behavior have no place in soccer, and have significant impacts on the quality of the youth sports experience and the enjoyment of the players. Nearly 70 percent of all kids who drop out of sports before age 13 cite a lack of fun, pressure and burnout as their reason for quitting. In addition, nearly 60 percent of officials across all sports that quit refereeing do so because of verbal abuse from players and parents. The Red Isn't Your Color™ campaign is a commitment to make a positive impact on the atmosphere around youth sports and competition and promote an environment of fun, positivity and leadership.
To kick off the campaign, the ECNL is releasing videos aimed at educating fans, players, coaches and parents about why red cards and inappropriate spectator sideline behavior are detrimental to athletes and teams. The league has also created a pledge that athletes, coaches, parents and anyone else can sign that promises to promote fair play and sportsmanship.
Starting with the ECNL national events in Phoenix during the next two weekends and continuing at specific events throughout the year, the captain's armbands for each team in attendance will be red with the Red Isn't Your Color™ logo displayed on them. In addition, ECNL branding throughout the complex will feature access points to interact with the Red Isn't Your Color™ campaign, including opportunities to sign the pledge and learn more information.
Throughout the rest of the season, the ECNL will continue to promote high-skill, fair play and sportsmanship through its Red Isn't Your Color™ campaign. To get more information, including signing the pledge, visit ecnl.info/red-isnt-your-color.
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.
The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.
www.TheECNL.com
