FFF's Action-Packed Final Week at EURO 2024: Engagement at Sustainability Events and Forums
In the final week of EURO 2024, FFF had the pleasure of participating in and connecting with hundreds of industry members committed to leveraging football for positive and sustainable impacts on a global scale at The Berlin Forum and the Football for Sustainability Summit hosted by Common Goal.
Throughout the week, co-directors Elliot Arthur-Worsop and Barney Weston engaged with inspiring leaders and innovators in the sports sustainability space. The events highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in major sporting events, particularly against the backdrop of UEFA's efforts in hosting its most sustainable tournament ever. UEFA's initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and increasing climate awareness set a significant precedent for future events, demonstrating a heightened focus on environmental responsibility and community engagement.
The Berlin Forum featured workshops focused on creating impact across diverse areas, including Gender Equity, LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Racial Justice, Climate Action, Mental Health, and Education. These workshops provided a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to advance social and environmental goals within the football community. They highlighted the role of football as a catalyst for positive change, addressing critical issues and promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and holistic well-being.
The Football for Sustainability Summit conducted breakout sessions discussing the centrality of partnerships and collaboration in mobilising and enabling football for sustainability. Leaders from across sectors shared insights on how collaborative efforts between clubs, fans, governments and communities can drive meaningful change. These discussions emphasized the power of collective action in tackling global challenges, underscoring the importance of shared goals and mutual support in advancing sustainability practices within football and beyond.
To cap off an incredible week, FFF participated in a tournament in Berlin on a floating pitch with the amazing Spirit of Football team from Frankfurt. Barney spoke at the LGBTQ+ friendly venue set up for the tournament, Pridehouse in Berlin, showcasing our work at the Frankfurt Fanzone.
Meanwhile, back in London, Elliot spoke 2 panel events during London Climate Action Week on Greenwashing in Sports Sponsorship and Football's Climate Goals and was one of six inspirational panelists at "The Network," hosted by Versus and Tate Britain, providing insights on ways to break into the football industry.
The events served as a beacon of expert insights and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable future in sports. Beyond this week, FFF has worked extensively with Common Goal to harness football's potential for positive change. From the Climate Champions community programme and player-led climate action campaigns during the World Cup to recent work with climate champion and professional footballer Jessie Fleming, as well as the year-long Move For The Planet initiative delivered by Adidas, the transformative potential of football to drive positive change worldwide is becoming increasingly evident. The connections and insights gained from these efforts will help FFF effectively mobilize fans, communities, players, and clubs to advance climate action and dialogue.