Football picks up sustainability message

15/08/2012

Sustainability is big news these days and even footballers are starting to get involved in the issues as more people wake up to the need to support the planet.

Gary Neville is now bringing the cause to the footballing world, with the help of Dale Vince, chairman of Forest Green, through the Sustainability in Sport project.

The latest stage in this involved a game between Manchester United and Forest Green Rovers, which resulted in a 2-2 draw. The event was held at Forest Green, which is the most environmentally friendly club in British football.

Mr Neville explained the message behind the project: “Sports bring everyone together at all age groups. You saw the power of Euro 2012 and now it is the Olympics.

"That means we can combine children and young people with the fact that sustainability, energy and climate change are huge issues in today's society. Hopefully it is a good marriage.”

It is hoped that more clubs will follow suit as they realise that “the issue of climate change is not going away and sport cannot ignore it”.

With such a broad influence among young people in particular, the project should help make people aware of the need to invest in sustainable projects and developments for the sake of our future.