Surrey FA aims to remove smoking and vaping from grassroots football

Surrey FA and Surrey County Council have launched 'Smokefree Sidelines' to discourage parents and supporters from smoking or vaping at more than 540 grassroots clubs, with a goal to have all clubs on board by 2029.

Surrey FA has launched a public health initiative with Surrey County Council to discourage smoking and vaping on the sidelines at children's grassroots football. The scheme, called Smokefree Sidelines, will involve outreach to more than 540 clubs across the county. The association says it cannot simply ban smoking where matches take place in public parks. Surrey FA frames the move as supporting participation and improving health among residents. Key facts: - Smokefree Sidelines was launched by Surrey FA with Surrey County Council. - Surrey FA plans to contact more than 540 clubs and aims to have all clubs on board by 2029. - The initiative targets parents and supporters who smoke or vape on the sidelines at children's matches. - The FA notes it cannot impose a blanket ban where games occur in public parks. - Department of Health and Social Care data are cited: about 86,500 smokers in Surrey, with prevalence 7.3% in 2023 compared with 14.9% in 2011. Summary: The campaign is presented as a low-cost public health push intended to reduce children's exposure to smoking while supporting football participation. Surrey FA says much of the work can be done through social media promotion and has begun outreach to clubs across the county. The council has been approached for comment.