I CAME across a set of rules from a Football Association league based in Manchester. According to their website, The Respect League was set up because “traditional leagues allow a wall of noise from spectators and a constant stream of instructions from coaches, stopping players from learning. 

“They reduce competition by encouraging uneven, one-sided A teams. Their emphasis on results causes adults to pick their ‘best’ team so the substitutes don’t get a chance.

“Kids are forced to play in their ‘best’ position so they don’t develop as footballers. Our league is the opposite: it was set up to pioneer The FA’s vision for progressive junior football.”