Community Climate Captains: Leading Sustainability Through Football
The Community Climate Captains initiative, led by the EFDN in collaboration with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), is pioneering a unique approach to sustainability through football. Supported by experts like Sean McCabe (Bohemian FC) and Derek O’Neill (FAI Community Development Manager), this project aims to create a platform where fans can actively shape the sustainability efforts of their beloved clubs. Participating clubs include Kerry FC, Dundalk FC, Sligo Rovers FC, Wexford FC, Finn Harps FC, Bray Wanderers FC, and Shamrock Rovers FC, each working to engage their communities in meaningful climate action.
The primary goal of the Climate Captains project is to empower local citizens to become active participants, “Climate Captains”, in advancing sustainability and climate justice within their communities. Recognising the role of football clubs as central hubs in the lives of fans, the initiative leverages these connections to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
How does the project work?
The project is developed in different phases: firstly, the Community Climate Captains initiative engages fans through a customised survey, shared across the club’s digital and physical channels, to gather opinions on club sustainability practices and inform future actions, but also to give the fans a chance to share their personal social issues. Then, while monitoring the responses, the clubs can host round-table discussions to explore survey themes and open dialogues to maximise the outcome. Finally, clubs receive guidance to develop and implement concrete sustainability projects, with EFDN offering training and resources to ensure effective change.
The Sligo Rovers FC case study
A strong example of the project’s success is Sligo Rovers Football Club, where over 600 fans participated in the Climate Captains survey. The results highlighted key insights: 81% of respondents felt a strong connection to the club, showing its vital role in the community, with many fans eager to support its sustainability efforts. While 94% gave positive feedback on social initiatives, only 69% were aware of the club’s environmental activities, revealing a need for better communication. Cost and accessibility were seen as major barriers to adopting eco-friendly solutions, with fans calling for more affordable options, such as electric mobility and solar panels.
In response, Sligo Rovers and EFDN are exploring initiatives like partnering with local farms for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programme, setting up a community fridge to tackle food waste, and hosting Climate Action Information Days to educate fans on sustainable practices.
Did you get interested? Would you like your club to develop similar initiatives? Please, contact us at info@efdn.org.
