Young Leicester anti-bullying ambassador becomes England mascot

11-year-old Zach Ramsell was given the honour of being a virtual mascot at England’s victories over Ireland and Iceland.

11-year-old Zach Ramsell, from Leicester, was rewarded by FA Respect Campaign and England team partner, Nationwide Building Society.

Nationwide chose Zach for the work he has been undertaking in the local community.

As part of the prize, Zach got a brand new full England kit, tickets to a future game at Wembley, and also the chance to ask questions to Three Lions’ players via a virtual link.

Zach said: “My favourite current England player is the Foxes’ James Maddison – even more so as I am a Leicester fan.

“My favourite moment as an England fan was getting into the semi finals of the World Cup. I am a midfielder for my local team, Glenfield United, and I recently scored a very good goal for them.

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 respectful society both on and off the pitch.

Zach said: “To get the chance to ask questions to England players and help improve my own game is something I will never forget.”

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

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

80% of those surveyed believe public figures are responsible for setting a good example. 63% believe 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’.

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.

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

Watch below as Gareth demonstrates positive and negative coaching, showing how it can have a massive impact on players, the environment, and the game.

For more information on The FA Respect Campaign, please visit the website here.

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