The Playable Future Coalition

Why We're Speaking Up

We've trained through extreme heat warnings. We've played on cracked, worn-down pitches. The grassroots pitches we grew up on — our streets, our parks, our communities — are becoming unplayable. We have the platform to raise awareness. Tournament organisers have the opportunity to protect the game at its roots.

What We're Asking For

We're calling on major tournament organisers to leave a lasting legacy: not just making their own events safer, but investing in the grassroots communities that host them. Protect the pitches where the game begins — from youth clubs, to Sunday league, to the World Cup itself.

This Isn't Abstract to Us

• Extreme heat causes unsafe and unplayable conditions.

• The 2014 World Cup had its first cooling breaks of the tournament during the last-16 match between Netherlands and Mexico in Fortaleza… The heat forced fans to move to the back of the stadium to get shelter.

• During the 2026 World Cup, hydration breaks have now been implemented in every match.

• Extreme weather events are expected to cause flooding around stadiums and wind damage.

• 120,000+ grassroots matches were called off in England in 2025 due to flooded pitches.

Add Your Voice

If you're a current or former professional footballer, this is your fight too - and together, our numbers are what will make the difference. Add your name and help us make grassroots climate resilience part of every major tournament's legacy.