Field of Dreams – Kickstarting discussions to aspire towards Net Zero in Football across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland

De Montfort University led an event in the Leicester Business Festival 2022 sharing this overview:

"Leicester Nirvana FC asked experts at De Montfort University if they could support their ambition to become the United Kingdom's first Grassroots Net Zero football club. Using the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as a framework, exciting plans have been developed to progress this vision. Since its inception, the project has received a lot of interest and input from amateur sports clubs, researchers, businesses, public officials and the local community." LBF 2022

Led by Mark Charlton, Associate Director of Sustainable Development Goal Impact/Net Zero Research Theme Director supported by speakers from the UN and a pioneering German Football Club inspired the room and showed the art of the possible.

Leicester Nirvana FC based in Leicester shared their work, drive and energy and the appetite to succeed in their work.

"What was hugely inspiring was the energy and appetite in the room from both sustainability experts and sports organisations. Great ingredients to drive incredible results.

Conversations switched between heat pumps, the quality of grass football pitches and the potential if we get grounds maintenance right, flood lights, and so much more." Ali Clements, Economy and Sport Growth Manager, Active Together.

So what's next:

• If you're a football club – Football for Goals could be for you Football for the Goals | United Nations

"Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is an opportunity to build on football's powerful and influential reach and to work together to become agents of change by aligning messaging, strategies and operations with the aspirations of the SDGs." Source: Football for the Goals | United Nations

• Existing support available for organisations In Leicester and Leicestershire - A sustainability platform helping Leicestershire businesses to become greener for the environment | Active Together (active-together.org)