UEFA has partnered with European Leagues on the development of a new Football Event Sustainability Manual, designed as a ‘single, accessible resource’ to enable clubs, leagues and national associations integrate environmental and social responsibility into football-related events.
The manual collates UEFA’s sustainability guidance into a single resource for the first time, and follows what the organisation describes as a ‘pick‑and‑drop’ approach, enabling users to select and adapt the sustainability practices most relevant to their specific needs.
It also aligns with UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030: Strength Through Unity, which aims to reduce environmental impact while also increasing positive social outcomes across European football, the organisation said in a statement.
Full lifecycle
The manual is structured around environmental, social and governance principles and covers the full lifecycle of an event, from planning and preparation through to implementation and post-event debrief.
‘Each chapter includes contextual guidance, objectives and challenges, plus a set of solutions that feature both basic and advanced recommendations to cater to varying levels of organisational experience,’ UEFA noted. ‘Supporting checklists help users translate recommendations into action.’
Case studies
The manual also features a myriad of case studies contributed by leagues and clubs across the continent, including mobility initiatives from the Swiss Football League, water conservation measures implemented by the Dutch Eredivisie, autism-friendly matchday experiences introduced by Waterford FC in Ireland and governance-focused sustainability programmes at SC Freiburg in Germany.
‘Through its three core goals – enable, empower and elevate – the manual offers clear guidance, actionable tools and good practices that stakeholders can adopt to strengthen their sustainability culture,’ UEFA noted. ‘It also forms part of UEFA’s wider approach to knowledge development and dissemination, complemented by coaching and cascading training through leagues and clubs.’ Read more here.
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