Young footballers urged to remember 'Words Matter' and be more kind
dailyrecord.co.ukWest Lothian Football Academy ran football sessions with a difference recently as part of the ‘Words Matter Week’ initiative.The academy, owned by Steven and Danielle Johnstone, led a series of discussions around language and encouraged players and coaches to think about the impact of their words both in a football setting and beyond.Focus was paid to trying to be positive but also respectful of others with Danielle telling the Courier: “It’s not something that’s exclusive to being in and around football.“It’s about thinking about the words and language you use on social media, for example, but using football as the way to bring that across.“It’s a social skill that we hope can be applied beyond football but we spoke about things like the words you use with your team-mates on the pitch and thinking about your actions and words and the impact it has both on yourself and those around you.”She added: “Even purely from a football perspective, it was about trying to get everyone to view things in a positive manner and use positive language.“Rather than saying ‘he’s better than me’ looking at changing that mindset and language to ‘what can I do to improve?’ and trying to emphasise positive energy and positive words.”Steven said the discussions were well received by players and coachies alike, adding: “If you can have that ability think about it on a football field then the chance is there to take that into other aspects of life and school.“If you’re giving 100 per cent and determined but also doing everything in a respectful and positive manner then you’ll not be far away from achieving good things and being the best version of yourself .“That was something we really wanted to get across through Words Matter Week.“You don’t
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