E.ON Next invests in the Greener Game

The Football Association has launched a sustainability programme as part of a new long-term partnership with E.ON Next, with the aim of driving decarbonisation, promoting sustainable practices, and reducing energy costs for grassroots football clubs across the country.

The programme, titled ‘Greener Game’, will empower grassroots clubs by providing them with investment opportunities for sustainable upgrades, alongside a wealth of educational resources and energy-saving guides.

Over the five-year programme, Grassroots clubs across England will be invited to join the Greener Game by registering online. They will then gain access to an extensive collection of energy-saving resources, including tutorials, case studies, and guides tailored to help clubs adopt sustainable practices.

The programme is first working with England Football Accredited 3-star clubs. Clubs who are eligible will be invited to provide information, applying for an energy audit. These face-to-face audits will be provided by E.ON Next and assess each club’s energy needs and identify where improvements can be made.

The FA and E.ON Next expect approximately 200 energy audits to be conducted annually across the duration of the programme. Following the energy audit process, club needs will be evaluated, and those who meet the criteria will receive investment, which may include the installation of sustainable energy solutions.

The programme is set to invest £1.5 million annually into grassroots football, benefiting around 75-100 clubs each year. In addition, many more clubs will benefit from energy and cost saving advice and guidance from E.ON Next. Clubs that sign up to the programme will receive the Energy Support Pack, empowering them to make positive changes to their club’s energy needs.

Four clubs have participated in the pilot phase of the programme and are already experiencing energy savings, including up to a 25% reduction in annual energy costs through the use of solar power and battery solutions.

Across the pilot clubs, it is estimated that the installations carried out by E.ON Next, in partnership with The FA, could save an average of around £3,000 per year, per club, depending on their energy usage.