The organisation of community football, a barrier to environmental change

ABSTRACT

Rationale/Purpose

The aim of this research was to identify the extent of, and barriers, to pro-environmental activity within community-based, association football clubs in England.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with volunteers at community football clubs in the FA county of “North Country”.

Findings

The ownership and management of football facilities provides for a low level of independent decision making by clubs and negates the encouragement of pro-environmental activity.

Practical implications

Strategies for increased environmental activity in football need to look beyond individual clubs and volunteers to the way the sport is organised.

Research contribution

This research adds to a football and environment literature in its infancy and expands consideration of the non-professional sector of the game in academic work.

KEYWORDS:

• Football
• environment
• behaviour
• community

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).