Sustainable travel charter launched to help football clubs reduce their environmental impact

A new Sustainable Travel Charter has been launched to support football clubs traveling in a more environmentally friendly way, amid growing controversy over the sports’ extensive use of short-haul flights.

The Charter, created by a working group made up of charity Pledgeball, the Football Supporters’ Association and professional football clubs, will help football clubs navigate the issue of transport and make more sustainable choices.

Clubs that have joined the charter include Millwall, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers, Mansfield Town and Swindon Town.

The charter will support clubs in their decision-making around player travel to and from games. It also takes into account issues that clubs need to consider in their decision-making, such as player security, health and wellbeing, travel time and next fixture, guiding clubs so that they can at least reduce the number of flights.

The Charter also encourages clubs to take commercial flights rather than chartering their own planes as they have a significantly lower carbon footprint.

Katie Cross, CEO of Pledgeball, said: “Football clubs’ reliance on short-haul flights is a thorn in the side of their wider sustainability strategies.

“This Charter seeks to address the elephant in the room and help clubs incorporate more sustainable travel practices into their operations and lead by example in showing fans and the public that climate action means walking the talk.”

To access the charter, click here.