UBAFC Goes Green!
On Saturday 12 November, members of the University of Bristol Association Football Club (UBAFC), Bristol SU Sport and Student Development Officer Lucy Matthews, and Bristol SU’s Sustainability Coordinator took a trip to the first carbon neutral football club in the world: Forest Green Rovers FC.
Located in the quiet village of Nailsworth, The Forest Green Rovers football club was forever changed after Dale Vince took over as club chairman in 2010.
Being the owner of Ecotricity – the world’s first green energy company, Vince ensured that sustainability became the top priority for the club.
He introduced a vegan menu for players and fans as well as sustainably made clothing and buildings powered solely by renewables.
UBAFC were given the opportunity to learn more about the clubs’ sustainable practices during an eco-tour just before the match.
They were toured around the Piss to Pitch stalls which are toilet blocks that convert toilet waste into fertiliser for the pitch.
They were shown the new kits made from coffee grounds and recycled plastics and the lanyards made from bamboo.
Finally, they learnt about the intensive work that goes into maintain a great quality organic pitch, free from chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Following the eco-tour, the group grabbed some vegan food just in time to watch Forest Green Rovers face off against the Wycombe Wanderers.
Unfortunately, the match ended in Forest Green Rovers losing 2-0 to Wycombe.
However, as one of the members said “Despite a disappointing result it was a really enjoyable and eye-opening day”.
UBAFC have been working towards improving their sustainability as a club this year. After having created a four-point sustainability plan last year, they wanted to take their actions further in 22/23.
This trip was just one step they are taking to increase the awareness of their club members to the importance of sustainability and the simple ways it can be achieved. 
Moving forward UBAFC have plans to assess how they acquire their kit; how they travel to and from training and matches and how they can spread the message of sustainability to a wider audience.
Taking steps to minimise a group’s environmental impact or collectively do something positive for the environment is one of the criteria for Bristol SU Group Accreditation. Groups can apply for a Sustainability Grant of up to £500 for activities focused on sustainability and/or combatting the Climate Emergency. For advice or support on running your student group sustainably you can contact bristolsu-sustainability@bristol.ac.uk
