Social Media
Roger Allen • October 29, 2021
The Football Association has been engaging with social media organisations for a number of years to try and address the issues of online abuse and discrimination. This impacts all parts of football from players to administrators, from referees to coaches/managers and is not isolated to any one part of the football pyramid. Sadly, this is an issue that impacts many of those in our game and we are committed to continuing to use our voice and influence to address this problem.
We recognise that a multi-pronged approach is needed and we are doing everything that we can to ensure that social media organisations are effectively protecting all users. We are also simultaneously working with government to ensure that relevant and effective legislation is enacted quickly to hold social media organisations to account. Through our discussions with social media platforms, they are sharing information on products and tools to address elements of the challenges we currently see online.
Social media platforms are a key mechanism of modern communication for many people and we know that they are great way to interact. However, just like in the offline world, there will always be those who try to abuse others online.
Instagram
Instagram has rolled out two new tools to protect people who may be subject to abuse, either in comments or Direct Messages (DMs). Activating these tools will help reduce the chances of seeing negative or hurtful comments and make the experience of using Instagram a more positive one.
The first tool is Hidden Words - when turned on, this will automatically filter offensive words, phrases and emojis, so they do not have to be viewed. This tool focuses on DM requests, because this is where people usually receive abusive messages. It will work in a similar way to the comment filters already on offer, which allow people to hide offensive comments and choose what terms they don’t want people to use in comments under posts they may. Both comment and DM request filters can be turned on and off in a new dedicated section of Privacy Settings called Hidden Words.
The second tool is Limits – designed to help protect people when they experience or anticipate a rush of abusive comments and DMs. It’s easy to turn on, and will automatically hide comments and DM requests from people who don’t follow an account, or who only recently followed an account. Instagram developed this feature because they heard that sometimes people experience sudden spikes of comments and DM requests from people they don’t know. In many cases this is an outpouring of support — like if they score a winning goal. But sometimes it can also mean an influx of unwanted comments or messages. In these instances, you can turn on Limits and avoid this type of interaction.
Twitter
Twitter has rolled out tools that we feel it’s important to make you aware of to help protect you online. Please see the two short videos below which guide you through the process of activating these tools on your Twitter profile.
We hope that these features help ensure your experience on social media platforms is a more positive one and that the football community can be brought together in the right way this season.
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We are delighted to announce Badgeman Limited as our Official Merchandise Supplier on a two-year agreement. As a preferred supplier, Badgeman can offer all football related merchandise such as hats, scarfs, mugs, pin badges, keyrings, pennants, stickers and towels as well as flags, banners, sponsorship banners, corner flags, printed gazebos and much more.
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The Wessex League is encouraging its member clubs to explore the opportunities available through the Premier League Stadium Fund , which continues to invest in improving football facilities across England and Wales. Having invested more than £226 million into over 1,000 clubs , the Premier League Stadium Fund is helping transform the non-league matchday experience by supporting projects that enhance facilities for players, volunteers and supporters alike. Funding is available for a wide range of projects, including floodlights, spectator accommodation, pitch improvements, changing facilities, barriers and other essential infrastructure that helps clubs meet ground grading requirements and provide a better environment for their local communities. Clubs considering improvements to their facilities are urged to engage with the Fund at the earliest opportunity to discuss their project and determine eligibility. Investment in facilities not only strengthens clubs on matchdays but also helps secure their long-term future, enabling them to grow participation, improve accessibility and continue serving their local communities for years to come. For further information and to begin an application, visit the Premier League Stadium Fund website or speak to your County FA or League representative for guidance. Premier League Stadium Fund - Poster
AFC Stoneham have started the season where they left off the last - collecting more silverware in the form of the Wessex League Charity Cup, following a 3-1 success over Hamble Club. Proceeds from the occasion supported the Geoff Smith Legacy Fund - supporting young children in local communities on their football journeys, set-up in memory of the long-serving AFC Stoneham Chairman who sadly passed away in May. Kian Towse and Braydon Douglas gave the hosts a 2-0 advantage into the interval, before Harry Hamilton pulled one back for the League Cup winners without around ten left to play.
