As the world becomes more urbanised, our cities are facing major challenges. Climate change, social inequality and the loss of green and community spaces are putting pressure on urban life around the world. Sustainability and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important, and innovative solutions are more in demand than ever. Increasing and enhancing urban nature helps address these challenges by providing innumerable environmental, health, and social benefits, including improved air quality, bolstered mental health, and reduced summer temperatures.
An unlikely force is emerging to combine environmental initiatives with social action: football. Football clubs – the heart of many cities and towns – provide a platform to promote sustainability, education and social justice (Nelson Mandela 2000, cited in Mukherji 2023). With their vast reach and deep roots in the community, football clubs are well situated to bring about positive change not only in the sporting arena, but also in the urban environment. City leaders should take note – partnerships with football clubs can help local and regional authorities address urban challenges such as creating greener public spaces, sustainable urban planning and youth engagement.
Say it loud for those in the back – Football has the power to change the world. This conviction is not new: sport is recognised as a fundamental right and a powerful tool for strengthening social ties, promoting sustainable development and fostering peace, solidarity and mutual respect. In cities, where the need for environmental and social solutions is particularly great, football offers unique opportunities to support local infrastructure development and mobilise communities to achieve common environmental and social goals. The draw is especially stark among young people.
Cities and sports clubs around the world are already putting this knowledge into practice: Spain’s Real Betis integrated green spaces and native plants into their sports facilities, offered employees access to scooters and electric bikes, and encouraged fans to also make use of active transport. Football Ecology France facilitated a partnership between the city of Médard en Jalles, local football clubs, and community members that resulted in the planting of an urban forest.
ICLEI Europe, a network of over 1400 cities dedicated to sustainable urban development, is teaming up with the European Football for Development Network (EFDN), the EU Horizon project NBS EduWORLD to further demonstrate how football clubs can get involved in sharing knowledge about nature-based solutions (NbS) – interventions that leverage the power of healthy ecosystems to mitigate climate change impacts while enhancing biodiversity- and inspiring action. Their work is of particular relevance to city officials interested in replicating their results.
The power of football to mobilise urban communities
What makes these initiatives so effective is the close relationship between football clubs and their local communities. For example, in a recent survey by the Football for Climate Justice project, in which EFDN is also a partner, found that 53% of respondents thought that football clubs should play a role in developing solutions to climate change.
Football clubs enjoy a high level of trust and are in close contact with the people in their cities.