Green Football Weekend: eight things grassroots clubs can do to reach net zero

• I’m investigating the sustainability tactics of grassroots teams including Leicester Nirvana, Germany’s Eintracht Peitz and International Berlin.
• This will develop into a blueprint for teams wanting to transform a game which both contributes to, and is impacted by climate change.
• Football clubs have the potential to bring people together to tackle the climate crisis collectively and Green Football Weekend (3-5 February) is a time to kick off with eight simple ways improve your club’s sustainability credentials.

1. Recruit a captain

• They can create a sustainability checklist of things to do after matches and training like turning off the lights and taps, or putting the recycling out.
• Ideally, this person should report to a sustainability committee that involves managers and players.

2. Buy in bulk

• Buy recycled toilet paper, install LED lightbulbs that are more energy-efficient than conventional bulbs and wash team kits with biodegradable washing powder.
• As a big club, that can mean substantial business for the right sportswear brand if they commit to the necessary changes.

3. Park the bus

In recent emissions tests done at Leicester Nirvana, we found team and fan travel to be the one of the largest contributors to the club’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Where possible use a minibus or share cars to cut costs and reduce emissions when heading to training or games. Eintracht Peitz invested in a minibus for its team with club logos and sponsors emblazened on the side, so it’s hard to miss on match days.

4. Put more plants on plates

• Buy local produce where you can, but be mindful it’s important to consider what you eat rather than just where it is from].
• Follow the lead of Leicester Nirvana and encourage the use of reusable bottles for all players.

5. Green your club

• While most urban green spaces are not managed with nature in mind, lots of towns and cities make space for nature in innovative ways.
• By rewilding some of the green spaces beside the pitch, unused corners and verges can become a haven for wildlife.

6. Communicate creatively about climate

• Use resources from environmental charity Climate Outreach to get positive messages across in creative ways.
• Encourage coaches and players to sign up to Carbon Literacy training or take part in a fun Climate Fresk workshop.

7. Shout about your success

Lead by example and show others that there are alternative ways to run a football club. Encourage players to be advocates for the planet. Share what you are doing through social media and invite the local press to cover your stories.

8. Goals win games

Set clear targets for the coming season. To find inspiration and access free resources that outline key goals, join sustainable sports networks, such as the UN Football for the Goals, Pledgeball and De Montfort University’s Net Zero Football Project.
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Mark Charlton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.