Unless something is done soon to check the spread of anti-social behaviour at junior football matches the long term future of the game we love could be in serious peril.

That's the view of FA chiefs who have become so disturbed by the growing problem that Soho Square is backing a new 'Respect' campaign in a bid to halt the slide towards total anarchy.

With the pumped-up, win-at-all-costs mentality of the Premier League fast filtering down to park football, incidents of parent fights, bully boy managers and players abusing referees are all on the rise.

Now in an attempt to rid the game of the cancer in it's grass roots, the FA scheme - piloted in the Peterborough and District Alliance Under 10 White Zone League this season - will see a raft of match day restrictions introduced, including touchline exclusion zones and parent/player segregation.

And such has been the success of the limited trials in the city, Junior Alliance chiefs are already hoping to roll out the initiative to the whole league next season.

Junior Alliance general secretary Hazel Burgess said: "The scheme has been run in just one of our junior leagues this season but it has been a big success with unsavoury incidents being cut back noticeably.

"Not that we had as big a problem in the Junior Alliance as some other leagues but it would be naive of us to suggest that there is not an issue there that needs to be solved and this seems a great way of doing it."

In total eight counties were involved in the piloting of 'Respect', with the Junior Alliance League chosen to represent Northants FA in the trials.

Burgess added: "It was an honour to be chosen and we are delighted with the feedback we have had from managers which I am told is the best from any league taking part.

"We gave every team a set of barriers so that a three-metre exclusion zone could be created round the pitch so managers, parents and fans are not allowed to get too close to the players.

"Parents are also made to stay on one side of the pitch with subs and managers on the other which has also reduced conflict.

"The scheme also stipulates than only the captain is allowed to approach the referees which also reduced friction.