PARENTS & PLAYERS
The Family Handbook
Everything a new Grimsby United family needs — matchdays, kit, subs, behaviour and who to call if something isn't right.
Your matchday
Arrive 30 minutes before kick-off
Time for a proper warm-up, team talk and a look at the pitch.
Come ready to play
Shin pads are compulsory — no shin pads, no game. Boots suited to the surface.
Water and a warm layer
Named water bottle, plus a coat for the sidelines in a Humber winter.
Stay behind the Respect line
Spectators on the opposite side to the coaches and substitutes.
Let the coach coach
Cheer the effort, leave the instructions to the touchline team.
Shake hands, every time
Both teams and the referee, win, lose or draw. We win with pride and lose with dignity.
Codes of conduct
We're an FA Respect club. Signing on means signing up to these.
Players
- Play for the badge and for each other.
- Respect the referee's decision, even when you disagree.
- No abusive language, no retaliation.
- Turn up on time, or let your coach know if you can't make it.
- Shake hands at the end of every game.
Parents & spectators
- Applaud effort, not just goals — and applaud both teams.
- Never criticise a child, a coach or an official from the touchline.
- Remember it's their game, not yours.
- Stay behind the Respect barrier at all times.
- Set the example you'd want your child to copy.
Coaches & officials
- Every player gets meaningful game time.
- Development before results at junior age groups.
- Hold a valid DBS and up-to-date safeguarding training.
- Keep parents informed about training, fixtures and travel.
- Model the behaviour we ask of everyone else.
Common questions
▸ What does it cost?
A yearly registration fee plus weekly subs that cover pitch hire, referees, league fees, kit and equipment. We keep it as low as we can and we never want cost to stop a child playing — talk to us in confidence if it's a problem.
▸ What kit does my child need?
Match kit is provided by the club and sponsors. Players need their own shin pads, boots, socks and a water bottle. Training tops, hoodies and bags are in the club shop.
▸ How much game time will they get?
At junior age groups every registered player gets meaningful minutes in every squad they're named in. Football is played, not watched.
▸ What if we can't make a session?
Just message the coach. Nobody loses their place for a holiday, illness or a school commitment.
▸ Can my child try before joining?
Yes — two free taster sessions before anyone registers or pays anything.
▸ What about photos on the website?
We only publish photos of under-18s with written parental consent, and we never publish a child's full name alongside their photo. Ask us to remove any image and we'll do it the same day.