Ten-year-old Chelsea Mayhew from Greenwich has been given the honour of being a vritual mascot for recent England football games as a reward for her local work as an anti-bullying ambassador.

Young Chelsea was recently given the chance to be the mascot for two national team games, as well as a full England kit, tickets to a future Wembley game, and the chance to ask questions to players including Harry Kane and Jack Grealish via a virtual link.

She was chosen by sponsors Nationwide as part of the FA Respect Campaign for her stellar work in the local Greenwich community as a anti-bullying ambassador.

Chelsea said: “My favourite current England player is Mason Mount and I am a Chelsea fan.  I am a goalkeeper for my local team and I also like to tackle, too.

News Shopper:

“To get the chance to ask questions to England players is something I will never forget.”

Nationwide Building Society, partner of The FA, has pledged to ensure that one million parents and coaches engage with The FA Respect campaign over the next three years to help build a more mutually respectful society both on and off the pitch. 

Nationwide has signed a new three-year partnership with The FA, and will support the body’s grassroots Respect campaign.

News Shopper: It is committed to investing in and improving communities across the UK, and has undertaken research to show that there are ‘increasing levels of disrespect’ in the UK - something it aims to tackle. 

According to the research, 66% of the British public say that levels of disrespect have become unacceptable, with 71% feeling that the problem has worsened in the last two years. 

Meanwhile, 80% of those surveyed believe public figures are responsible for setting a good example, with 63% believing that footballers should set an example by showing respect on the pitch.  

England boss Gareth Southgate has also helped the Nationwide Building Society’s drive for mutual respect in society by advocating the ‘Power of Positivity’. 

Watch below as Gareth gets involved in the difference between positive and negative coaching and how it can have a massive impact on our players, the environment and the game.  The Power of Positivity – Nationwide & The FA’s Respect Campaign.

The FA’s Respect campaign aims to advise parents and coaches on their roles in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Respect codes of conduct are in place to ensure that everyone involved within an FA Charter Standard club or league is playing their part to give the players a positive experience. Nationwide has pledged to make one million parents and coaches aware of this campaign and the need for mutual respect. 

Recent extensive research into football from U7s–U18s highlighted that 9 out of 10 children say they play better with positive encouragement.

Research also highlights, negative connotations have a negative experience on a child football experience.  For more information on The FA Respect Campaign, visit here.