SIR - I would like to thank the organisers of the Everside six-a-side tournament held in Cam on Saturday and Sunday. It must have taken considerable commitment from a lot of parents to get such a well organised event up and running.

As parents, we value the opportunity our children have to participate in youth football. Research shows that most children want to play soccer so that they can participate in competitive sport (but not necessarily win) and develop the skills and fitness that will allow them to play and compete as effectively as possible, gaining achievement through effort.

Competition teaches young people not only to cope with sports but also helps them to deal with the inevitable ups and downs of life. More importantly we can be sure that all children play football because they want to have fun.

Competition is good for children if appropriate feed-back is provided and equal weight given to the importance of such elements as sportsmanship and fair play. The FA believes football can have a powerful positive influence on children but that means everyone involved in football must take on the responsibility of looking after those children that want to play the game.

It was therefore very disappointing to have to witness many instances of poor behaviour from both parents and children throughout the course of the morning.

If we expect players to be kind to each other but we are not kind to ourselves, then expect the worst. Model appropriate behaviour and get it in return. When players openly defy, and act inappropriately, then swift action is called for. Young people can be quite skilful in disguising malicious intent with seemingly momentary forgetfulness and responsible adults have to be sharp in recognising the difference and act appropriately. Especially with young players, having the parents support in reinforcing discipline is crucial.

One of the fundamental rules for any sport is to treat opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the game. Football is for all regardless of gender, race, creed or colour and how adults behave is critical in shaping your child's attitude. The best way adults can do this is by being a positive role model. A parent's attitude and expectations have a significant bearing on a child's attitude.

Fair play is about encouraging young people to be good sports. It's about teaching them to play the best they can whilst having regard for the feelings and efforts of others. Pressure removes the fun; encouraging and supporting is great but you need to know when to draw the line. Sport, when played fairly, can give children confidence and improved self-esteem.

The benefits of sporting activity are easily recognised and the consequence on the long-term health of inactive children is immense. A child's flexibility starts to decline between the ages of five and ten so it is important to encourage activity.

Life is full of pressures and children are increasingly the ones to face them. Football cannot only be a way to escape from these pressures but also a provider of skills to enable them to be better dealt with. We do not need to make a parental desire to win an added pressure for our children to face.

Setting an example of good sportsmanship is not just an essential part of sport, it is basic good manners.

Concerned Parent, Cam Name and address withheld