Coaches from AFC Wimbledon have been doing their bit to kick racism and other forms of abuse out of football with a series of workshops in Merton's schools.

Coaches from the community football scheme at the League Two club, in partnership with the Football League’s sponsor nPower, talked about the Respect programme to pupils.

Nearly 2000 childred aged 10 and 11 were taught how abusive verbal and physical behaviour on the pitch should not be replicated, even if they see it on TV from their Premier League football heroes.

Paul Foley, the Dons’ coach who manages the sceme, said: “I am over the moon with the number of schools who have welcomed us in to deliver the very important message of respectful behaviour to their pupils.

“I have found that not only have all the kids enjoyed the lessons but they have been great at taking the message of respect on board.

"I sincerely believe that the lessons delivered by our great team of community coaches will have a positive impact on our local children in the future”

In December 2011, the Liverpool striker Luis Suárez was banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 after being found guilty of misconduct for racially abusing Patrice Evra of Manchester United.

The Respect project, run by all 72 clubs which comprise the Championship, League One and League Two, hopes to deliver its message to 86,000 children across the country.

It's aims include: getting children to understand the consequences of their conduct on others and know that certain types of behaviour are wrong; teaching them to appreciate their behaviour can affect not just themselves but others at school, at home and in the community; and explaining that certain behaviour can harm and hurt others.

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