Smokefree Sidelines
OYFL supports smokefree sidelines at youth football matches and training. Children and young people should be able to enjoy football in an environment where smoking is not normalised around them.
Help us create healthier, more positive matchday environments for everyone.
A Healthier Environment for Young Players
Smokefree sidelines help create an environment where children can enjoy football without smoking being a normal part of the touchline experience.
Protect Children
Reducing smoking around youth football helps limit children's exposure to tobacco smoke.
Positive Role Models
Children notice adult behaviour. Smokefree sidelines help make not smoking the normal expectation around youth sport.
Better Matchdays
A smokefree environment makes the touchline more welcoming for players, families, volunteers and officials.
Keep the Sidelines Smokefree
We ask everyone attending OYFL matches and training to avoid smoking on or around the touchline and spectator areas.
Clubs should support this expectation through positive communication with coaches, parents, spectators and visitors.
Smoking & Vaping
OYFL’s aim is to create a positive environment around children and young people. We therefore encourage adults not to smoke or vape on the sidelines or immediately around youth football activity.
The purpose is not to equate smoking and vaping, but to avoid normalising either behaviour around children participating in football.
Help Make It Work
Set the Expectation
Let members and visiting teams know that youth football sidelines should be smokefree.
Use Positive Signage
Where suitable signage is available, use it around spectator and touchline areas.
Lead by Example
Coaches, officials and club volunteers can reinforce the message through their own behaviour.
Handle It Sensibly
If someone is smoking or vaping on the sideline, politely remind them of the club and league expectation.
Pledge Your Club
Clubs can sign up to support Smokefree Sidelines through Oxfordshire FA.
Pledge your club with Oxfordshire FA →Smokefree Oxfordshire
Smokefree Sidelines supports the wider aim of creating smokefree environments and protecting children and young people from tobacco.
Find out more about Smokefree Oxfordshire →Want Help to Quit?
Free stop-smoking support is available to people who live or work in Oxfordshire.
Find stop-smoking support →