In the footballing world, women’s teams are emerging as powerful advocates for sustainability. While the top-tier men’s game often garners the spotlight, it’s the women’s teams, many of which operate with fewer resources, who are taking bold, meaningful steps to address the climate crisis. By adopting sustainable kits and promoting environmental responsibility, these teams are doing far more than reducing their carbon footprints. They are using their platforms to champion change, influence public attitudes, and inspire the next generation of athletes and supporters.
More Than Just a Kit:
At first glance, a football kit may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of sustainability. But when you consider the mass production of synthetic materials and the rapid turnover of kits each season, the impact is undeniable. Women’s football, with its emphasis on community and social progress, has taken this challenge head-on.
Clubs are now working with ethical suppliers to produce kits from recycled materials such as plastic bottles and organic fabrics. These kits not only look the part but also serve as visual reminders of the sport’s growing commitment to sustainability. By wearing these kits, players become walking billboards for environmental change, sending a message to thousands of fans every week.
Lewes FC Women:
One of the most well-known champions of sustainable football is Lewes FC, a club celebrated for its ground-breaking “Equality FC” campaign, which ensures equal pay for its men’s and women’s teams. But equality isn’t the only area where Lewes leads the charge. The club has embraced a holistic approach to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly kits and stadium-wide environmental practices.
Lewes FC’s ethos of “Football for Good” is reflected in everything they do. Their kits are produced using recycled materials, and they’ve taken further action with initiatives like solar panel installations at their home ground, The Dripping Pan. More recently, the club announced a partnership with the ethical toilet paper brand Who Gives a Crap, with proceeds from their away shirt sales supporting global sanitation projects. This move epitomises how women’s teams are not just adopting sustainable practices but also amplifying social causes alongside them.
Quote from Lewes FC Spokesperson:
“Our mission at Lewes FC is to create positive change, both on and off the pitch. Sustainability is a vital part of that journey. Our players, fans, and community partners are all committed to a greener future, and we believe football has a duty to lead by example.”
Bristol City Women:
Bristol City Women are another team making strides in sustainability. Their decision to incorporate eco-friendly kits made from recycled plastic is part of a larger environmental strategy. Bristol City Women have also partnered with Puma and Project Plan B to ensure their end-of-life kits don’t go to waste, feeding into a circular economy model.
The club actively promotes it’s green agenda on social media, where players and staff discuss the importance of sustainability. By using high-profile match days to showcase these values, they ensure that fans are exposed to this message repeatedly. This method has been particularly effective in influencing younger supporters, many of whom are passionate about climate action.
Quote from Club Captain:
“As players, we wear these kits with pride, not just because of the badge on the front, but because of what it stands for. Knowing that every match we play is a chance to raise awareness about sustainability is a huge motivation for us.”
London City Lionesses:
London City Lionesses, a club built on the foundations of social progress and equality, have also embraced sustainability. Working alongside ethical kit suppliers, they ensure their apparel is made from recycled materials. But their work doesn’t end with kits. The Lionesses have implemented a “Green Matchday” initiative, where they promote carpooling, cycling to matches, and reusable drinkware at the stadium.
Quote from the Club’s Sustainability Lead:
“As a community-first club, sustainability is woven into the fabric of who we are. Our aim is to ensure that every aspect of our matchday operations, from the kits we wear to the way our fans travel, reduces our impact on the planet.”
Sheffield United Women:
Sheffield United Women have become quiet pioneers in this space, using their profile as a professional women’s team to encourage sustainable practices both on and off the pitch. Their kit supplier, Erreà, is known for its environmental focus, with production that adheres to Oeko-Tex standards, ensuring their materials are free from harmful chemicals.
The club also collaborates with Sport Positive, a movement that rates football clubs on their environmental initiatives. By embracing this partnership, Sheffield United Women are holding themselves accountable and encouraging other clubs to do the same.
Quote from a Sheffield United Women Player:
“It’s easy to think sustainability is something that happens outside of football, but it’s actually right here on the pitch with us. We wear it every time we play. It’s not just about protecting the planet; it’s about showing the next generation that small choices add up to big change.”
Why Women’s Football Is Uniquely Positioned to Lead Change:
Unlike men’s football, which is often dictated by commercial contracts with fast-fashion kit suppliers, women’s football retains a stronger sense of independence. Many clubs in the women’s game, especially those operating outside the top tiers, have more control over who they partner with and what values they champion. This autonomy has allowed them to embed sustainability into their identity from the outset.
There’s also a broader ethos within the women’s game that prioritises fairness, equality, and community. These values naturally lend themselves to environmental consciousness. As such, sustainability has become a core pillar for many clubs. Fans have taken notice too, with supporters often expressing greater loyalty to clubs that show a commitment to ethical practices.
It’s one thing for clubs to adopt sustainable practices, but it’s another for players to champion them. Women’s teams are setting a new standard, with players taking an active role in promoting green initiatives. Social media has become a vital tool in this effort, as players use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to engage their audiences on sustainability issues.
For many of these athletes, sustainability isn’t just a talking point; it’s a personal cause. Players like Izzy Christiansen and Megan Rapinoe have spoken publicly about their dedication to sustainability, often calling on governing bodies and sponsors to do more. The visibility of players in these conversations makes it harder for clubs and leagues to ignore the call for change.
Sustainability Beyond the Pitch:
What makes the sustainability movement in women’s football so powerful is its emphasis on legacy. This isn’t about a one-season trend; it’s about long-term cultural change. By embedding sustainable practices into club operations, women’s teams are future-proofing the sport while inspiring fans, particularly younger supporters, to live more sustainably.
These clubs are setting the bar for the wider football community. The message is clear: the game doesn’t need to compromise its identity to be more eco-friendly. Women’s teams have shown that sustainability and success can coexist. And with every recycled kit worn, every bottle reused, and every fan inspired, they’re ensuring that football’s most important goal is scored off the pitch.
Photo – @aimeereynoldsmedia
