The Football Association has handed over more than 200 barrier kits to youth teams in the Bristol area as part of the Respect campaign.

The barriers, which will be used by more than 300 boys' football teams who play in the Hanham Minor and Avon Youth Leagues, will be used to keep spectators two metres from the touchline when watching matches.

Respect is the FA and Gloucestershire FA's programme to address unacceptable behaviour in the sport – both on and off the pitch.

On average, 7,000 referees quit football every year because of the abuse they receive from players and from those watching on the sidelines.

The Football Foundation gave a 50 per cent grant to leagues purchasing the barriers and donations were also received from the Gloucestershire FA to reduce the burden on youth football clubs.

Avon Youth League chairman John Spencer said: "Our league took part in the FA's pilot programme last season in which barriers were used, and the results showed an improvement in the behaviour of spectators.

"Both our leagues signed up to the Respect programme primarily to give all referees, but especially the younger ones, encouragement to stay in the game."