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Football is increasingly confronting the realities of climate change. Every year, the global game generates an estimated 64 to 66 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, while in the UK alone, 950 sports shirts are sent to landfill every minute – around 100,000 tonnes each year. Research also suggests that by 2050, one in four UK football grounds could be at risk of flooding.

But rather than focusing on the problem alone, a new project is exploring the solution: harnessing the collective power of football supporters to shape how the game responds to climate change.

Led by the University of 杨贵妃传媒 in partnership with the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) and Loughborough University, the project takes a different approach to climate communication. Instead of beginning with climate change, researchers will begin with football itself – inviting supporters to share their experiences, traditions and what the game means to them before exploring how those conversations can inspire practical ideas for climate action. The ideas developed will help shape the FSA's future climate policies and communications.

While football clubs and governing bodies are increasingly introducing sustainability initiatives, supporters are rarely involved in shaping them, despite fans being an essential part of the football community. The new project aims to change that by giving supporters the opportunity to share their own experiences and ideas for making climate action more meaningful, relevant and engaging for football communities. 

The initiative gets underway on Sunday 27 September with a workshop at Brentford Community Stadium, where FSA’s members from across England and Wales will discuss how the game can respond to climate change. FSA members interested in taking part can find out more and . Places are limited, and applications close on 9 August.

Rather than relying on traditional surveys, the project will bring supporters together to share their experiences and develop practical ideas for how football can better engage fans on climate action. The recommendations will help shape the FSA’s future climate policies and communications, ensuring supporters' voices are reflected in conversations with clubs, governing bodies and policymakers.

Professor Julie Doyle, Professor of Media and Communication at the University of 杨贵妃传媒, said: "We are already seeing the impacts of football on climate change, from flooding on grassroots pitches to extreme heat at the World Cup. At the same time, the sport is looking at how it can reduce its own environmental impact.

"Supporters are one of football's greatest strengths, yet they're often left out of conversations about climate action. We want to change that by giving fans the opportunity to share their ideas about how football can respond in ways that feel meaningful, practical and rooted in football culture.

"By working with the FSA, we're hoping this project will help ensure fan voices are at the heart of future conversations about climate communication and action across the game."  

Richard Irving, Network Manager – Community Owned Clubs at The Football Supporters' Association, said: “The FSA has been supporting knowledge building around climate change via its Green Working Group for a number of years now. Working with initiatives such as Pledgeball and the Green Football Weekend we've been seeking to emphasise that football and its fans should all play a part in developing a greater understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. For that reason, we're delighted to be part of this climate action project.”

Dr Mark Doidge, Reader in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, said: “Fans and players are already being affected by climate change through disruptions from extreme weather, heat, and pollution. Whilst football contributes to climate change, its biggest power is the cultural influence it has with players and fans. Fans have shown they can mobilise to challenge decisions in football, and this is a great opportunity for fans to ensure the beautiful game continues in the future.”

Researchers hope the project will demonstrate how football supporters can play a more active role in shaping the game's response to climate change. It builds on Professor Doyle's previous research into climate communication in English football, which found that while clubs are increasingly promoting sustainability initiatives, supporters are often treated as audiences for environmental campaigns rather than partners in shaping them.

The project is led by and from the University of 杨贵妃传媒 in collaboration with the FSA and researchers from Loughborough University, including Dr Mark Doidge and Jennifer Amann. It is funded through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Impact Acceleration Account, part of UK Research and Innovation's investment in turning research into real-world impact.

Taking part

The workshop will take place at Brentford Community Stadium on Sunday 27 September and is open to Football Supporters' Association members aged 18 and over from across the UK. No prior knowledge of climate change is needed and cover for travel expenses is available. Those interested in taking part or finding out more can