Carlisle United are to take part in a new Football League campaign to combat foul and abusive language at matches during the new season, which kicks off next Saturday.

United have accepted an invitation to join the campaign, called Enjoy The Match, after swearing and other unacceptable language was found to have created a "key negative impression" at almost half the 144 matches secretly monitored by an undercover fan carrying out research at all 72 Championship, League One or League Two outfits.

The Football League's research also showed that most fans felt it was crucial for foul and/or abusive language to be pro-actively tackled by stewards.

Enjoy The Match will now aim to do that over the next two years by introducing a zero tolerance policy in family areas at participating clubs' grounds, including Brunton Park. It is also hoped that match-day experiences for all spectators, particularly youngsters, will be enhanced by working with those clubs taking part in the campaign.

John Nixon, Carlisle United's Managing Director and joint owner, stressed that the issue of foul and abusive language was not a particular problem at Brunton Park compared to other grounds but he said: "It would be complacent of us as a club to think this subject was not an issue for some of the people who come to our games - and for some of the people who choose not to. That's why we have agreed to join the Football League's Enjoy The Match campaign. We think it is a good initiative that will have a positive effect on those clubs taking part in it. Its ultimate aim is to eradicate anti-social behaviour, specifically from family areas at every Football League ground. This would make going to a football match more appealing to all spectators, especially families, who we are trying to attract to Brunton Park. By joining the campaign, Carlisle will promote a code of conduct for family areas and put up signs supporting it. The code of conduct will ask fans to "encourage the players, respect the officials and help create a great atmosphere."

The club has also agreed to take action against any aggressive or offensive behaviour in Brunton Park's family areas in D Stand, which is sponsored by Pirelli, the Cumberland Building Society Stand (sections 7, 8 and 9) and A Stand, where free tickets are provided for youngsters from associated schools or youth organisations.

Other Enjoy The Match initiatives include a message recorded by a child being played over the PA system before matches. Fans will also be invited to pledge their support to the campaign on the Football League's website.

United join Preston North End, Sheffield United, Norwich City and Wycombe Wanderers among the first clubs to back the scheme. Similar campaigns have already proved successful in rugby league and cricket.

The Football League's research showed the level of negativity recorded among supporters towards foul and abusive language rose to 63% for away fans, compared to 29% for home fans and 46% overall.