Efforts to promote environmental responsibility in professional soccer have expanded beyond a single weekend event. This season, an initiative called Green Football’s Great Save has taken center stage, running from March 11 through April 2. The campaign focuses on reducing merchandise waste and fostering sustainable practices within the sport. Professional soccer contributes significantly to carbon emissions, with an annual total of 66 million tons of CO2e. While sponsorship deals and air travel are major contributors, the issue of merchandise waste often remains overlooked.

One of the most pressing concerns is the disposal of sports apparel. In the U.K., over 100,000 tons of sportswear end up in landfills every year. Despite this, clubs continue to produce new jerseys, training gear, and other items annually. To address this issue, organizers of Green Football’s Great Save, in collaboration with more than 100 clubs across various leagues, encourage fans to donate or repurpose old jerseys instead of discarding them. Studies show that extending the life of a jersey by nine months can reduce its environmental impact by up to 30%, making it a simple yet effective way for fans to contribute to sustainability efforts.

Innovative solutions are being implemented as part of this initiative. Clubs hosting Green Football matches will offer donation bins for old kits, workshops for repairing jerseys, and even distribute recycled jerseys to local hospitals. Educational programs in schools include sewing classes where children learn how to mend their favorite jerseys. Gamification plays a crucial role in engaging fans, allowing them to earn points and win prizes such as match tickets or signed jerseys by participating in eco-friendly activities. Current and former players, including Josie Green and Jamie Carragher, have contributed to the cause by donating jerseys and making surprise appearances at local charities.

The future of sustainable sportswear lies in creative approaches to recycling and upcycling. Experts like Joanna Czutkowna emphasize the importance of rethinking how jerseys are made and used. Modern jerseys, primarily composed of virgin polyester derived from oil, pose significant environmental challenges. They require extensive fossil fuel extraction and refining processes and do not biodegrade easily. Additionally, the rapid production cycles mean many jerseys go unsold, ending up incinerated or in landfills. However, brands like FC88 and (Re)Boot are leading the charge in transforming old sportswear into unique products, proving that sustainability can also be profitable.

Through initiatives like Green Football’s Great Save, soccer demonstrates its potential to drive meaningful change. By uniting fans, clubs, and players around shared environmental goals, the sport showcases its capacity to inspire action. Josie Green highlights the power of soccer to bring people together, emphasizing that collective efforts can lead to transformative shifts in environmental consciousness. As new technologies emerge and creative solutions gain traction, the future of sustainable sportswear looks promising, reminding us that small actions can collectively make a substantial difference.