KAPPA and MJM Sports are backing a brand new incentive for good behaviour in the Sydenhams Football League.

The companies are combining to sponsor a new ‘Respect’ programme being rolled out for 2017/18 which will reward teams for keeping in the referee’s good books.

Each month the club with the fewest yellow and red cards in both the Premier Division and Division One will be awarded a £100 Kappa/MJM Sports voucher to be redeemed for Kappa merchandise.

Over the course of the season it equates to an impressive £1,600 worth of sponsorship.

The idea is the brainchild of Italian sportswear brand Kappa and will be delivered by its appointed supplier MJM Sports of Bideford Dave Bandell, team sports manager of Kappa UK, explained: “As part of our strategy to be at the heart of grass roots football in the UK, this partnership with MJM Sports and the Sydenhams Football League is perfect.

“With this initiative we hope to see the ‘Respect’ campaign become a major part of the league’s drive for fair play throughout all divisions.”

Terry Schofield, managing director of MJM Sports, added: “This is a major deal for us with this level of sponsorship and to help promote ‘Respect’ is really an honour.

“It is hoped that it will bring a more sportsman-like behaviour to players and raise the professional face of the league.

“To partner this league works perfectly for all concerned. There are no losers - unless you collect yellow and red cards.”

Sydenhams League chairman Ian Hoare, said: “This is a significant move to help the ‘Respect’ programme. To reward teams for good discipline can only be a good thing. We are looking forward to the start of the sponsorship in August and seeing who the winners are.

“Many thanks to MJM Sports and Kappa for this superb deal.”