London: Charlton Athletic will host its annual Greener Games at The Valley this weekend, featuring themed matchdays for both men’s and women’s teams. The initiative promotes sustainability through community engagement, including kit donations and a ‘Stroll to the Stadium’ programme urging fans to reduce their carbon footprint.
Charlton Athletic is set to host its annual Greener Games at The Valley, with the men’s first-team match against Stevenage taking place on Saturday, while the women’s first-team will have their themed matchday on Sunday, March 23rd, when they face Birmingham City. This marks the third consecutive year that Charlton has implemented the Greener Games initiative in collaboration with its front-of-shirt partner and official sustainability partner, RSK, along with the University of Greenwich.
The Greener Games aim to engage supporters in sustainability efforts. Ahead of Saturday’s match, the club shop will accept donations of old and unused football kits, encouraging fans to contribute to a circular economy. Additionally, Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) will lead a group of over 70 individuals walking to the game. In a move to promote carpooling, members of the men’s first-team are also being encouraged to share rides to the match.
Chief Executive Charlie Methven stated, “A key part of our vision for the club is for us to become more sustainable both financially and also environmentally.” He emphasised that Greener Games provide an opportunity to showcase the club’s sustainability initiatives and engage supporters in meaningful change. Methven mentioned ongoing efforts to achieve the gold standard designation in the EFL’s Green Code and highlighted plans to install solar panels at the stadium by the 2025/26 season, in partnership with RSK.
David James, Director of Education and Sport at CACT, expressed enthusiasm for the matchday activities tied to the Greener Games, stating, “CACT are delighted to deliver matchday activations as part of the Greener Games and our continued work and focus on environmental sustainability.” The involvement of students from St Mary Magdalene School further illustrates the initiative’s reach; the school’s Year 10 sustainability project winners will present their work to key partners including RSK and the University of Greenwich.
In promoting sustainable transportation, CACT is coordinating the ‘Stroll to the Stadium’, which encourages fans to walk to the game instead of opting for cars or public transport, thus lowering their carbon footprint while enjoying the match atmosphere.
Simon Goldsmith, Head of Sustainability at the University of Greenwich, underscored the broader implications of climate change, noting, “Football won’t be the only thing affected if the climate crisis continues. Our lives, homes, work, schools, towns and cities, countries and continents will be impacted too.” He urged individuals to take impactful actions such as driving less and supporting local businesses.
The Charlton Athletic Greener Games initiative is further supported by the Premier League Charitable Fund, #PLFansFund, illustrating a collective commitment to raising awareness and inspiring actions geared toward environmental sustainability within the sporting community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
