In the modern era of football, where the sport’s influence extends far beyond the pitch, players are increasingly recognizing their platform’s potential to drive meaningful change. One such figure is Alexei Rojas, Arsenal’s promising young goalkeeper, who exemplifies the new generation of athletes committed to environmental sustainability and climate action.

From an early age, Rojas demonstrated a profound dedication to both his sport and the planet. His journey began at the age of four, playing grassroots football, and has since ascended to the ranks of one of the world’s most prestigious clubs in Arsenal. Beyond his athletic prowess, Rojas has emerged as an environmental champion within Arsenal’s Academy.

Rojas believes in the power of collective action and the unique position football holds in influencing global audiences. He asserts that football can inspire people worldwide in a way that no other industry can, emphasizing the duty of players and clubs to lead by example in sustainability efforts. The team logos hold a value much beyond an image.

Through his advocacy, Rojas encourages concrete actionable changes, underscoring that individual efforts can collectively make a significant impact on environmental preservation.

Alexei was kind enough to take some time after a training session to shares insights into his journey, the intersection of football and environmental responsibility, and his vision for a more sustainable future in the sport.

Bonito: Alexei, thank you so much for joining us on the Bonito Platform, its so inspiring to see an up and coming professional football player so engaged in sustainability in football.

Alexei: Thanks so much for having me, its great to see platforms like Bonito emerging and engaging with the sport at both the grassroots level all the way up to the professional level.

Bonito: How did your love for football begin, and can you share your journey from playing grassroots football in your home country to becoming part of one of the world’s most prestigious clubs?

Alexei: My love for football began at a very young age. I started playing football when I was four years old. I started kicking the ball about with my dad, with my younger brother going to the park. And then when I was five years old, I joined my first football team. Within the space of two months, I decided that I wanted to be a goalkeeper because I loved the position. I loved the responsibility that you have, the uniqueness of the position. And also, I was good at it back then at that age compared to everybody else. So it was a very easy decision for me to stay in goal. then talking about my journey going from grassroots I played grassroots football up until I was 13 and throughout that period I went on trial at a number of clubs in the London area where I was not signed they didn’t want to have me there so that was a period where I had to stay resilient and keep going -keep moving forward and then when I was 13 I had a trial at Arsenal Football Club and was signed after five weeks so that was a fantastic opportunity for me that I managed to maximize and now I’ve been at Arsenal for over six years having signed my first professional contract in July of 2024 and now being part of the first team.

Bonito: Such a good lesson for youngsters out there to be resilient and not give up! Football connects people across cultures and backgrounds like few other things can. Why do you think the game resonates so deeply with such a diverse global audience?

Alexei: I feel that football resonates so deeply with people on a global scale because it’s a sport that we all love. People feel very connected to their nations, to their club teams, and everyone grows up playing and watching football. And even at older ages, people still go and watch football. Whenever the national team plays it, it unites the country. And it’s a sport that everybody loves because it’s so simple to play. All you need is a ball and some space. So I think football is the most powerful sport in the world and also I think the most powerful tool to send messages to people, to initiate global change. 

Bonito: At Bonito, we focus a lot on the potential of coaches to impact people lives. How significant have your youth coaches been in shaping your development, not only as a player but also as a person?

Alexei:  The people on my journey have been very important in shaping me as a player and as a person. It’s very important that from a young age you learn the technical foundations, that you’re given the opportunity to make mistakes, you learn from mistakes, you’re given that opportunity to improve as well. Because failure is ultimately what makes me better as a player because I pass through lots of experiences and I’m able to understand what works for me and what doesn’t. And then the personal side is fundamental. At Arsenal we have a great academy manager, he’s called Per Mertesacker. He always talks about better players make better people and better people make better players and it’s a positive cycle. So being a good person is fundamental because you’re not going to be a footballer for your whole life and you’re going to come across a number of people. You’re going to have to work within team environments where there’s lots of different personalities, lots of different people with different backgrounds. So it’s important to know how to treat people, how to be able to communicate and how to be able to get the best from the team around you.

Bonito: I just love the concept of the positive cycle that Per has imparted at Arsenal. 

Bonito: What role do you think professional football clubs and players can play in addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges today?

Alexei:I feel that football is the most powerful tool that we have in the world today. It’s the most watched sport in the world and the influence that football can have on people is huge. You see how closely fans resonate to their clubs, that whenever a player gets new boots or a club gets a new shirt, they want to do that. They want to buy the new shirt, buy the new boots. I would love to see football have the same social change, where a club pushes for sustainability in my case and it leads to people being more sustainable in their day-to-day action. Footballers and football clubs are some of the most watched, some of the most observed people and organizations in the world. Huge role models for adults and children. So the examples that we set as professional footballers and as football clubs are really important in driving change globally. 

Bonito: Young people around the world are increasingly focused on climate change and climate justice. Do you see a similar awareness and engagement among young professional footballers today, compared to their older teammates?

Alexei:  Oh absolutely I definitely agree that every day there are more and more footballers who are more concerned about climate change and the impacts that we are having on our planet, not only generally, but also from a football perspective, with all the logistics, all the travel and all the fan travel that comes with it. So I feel that as footballers, we have a responsibility to, at the very minimum, make people aware, try and influence people, to try and help the world be a more sustainable place because of the huge outreach and the huge audience that we have. And I definitely think that as time passes and we move more into the future, we’re going to see a lot more players advocating for sustainability.

Bonito: The Arsenal logo carries immense power and recognition. How impactful do you think it is when it comes to advocacy and community outreach? Can you give a few examples of projects close to your heart?

Alexei: Arsenal is a huge club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and with that audience, with the resources that we have, I feel that we have a huge opportunity to make change and make the world a better place for people within football and people outside of football as well. A few projects that I find have been quite close to me is making the club more sustainable internally, reducing our single-use plastic, introducing recycling bins, helping out with the food bank, the food waste, eliminating that as much as possible and introducing more sustainable behaviors on a day-to-day basis. Another project i’ve been involved with as well that’s been in collaboration with football for future has been implementing a sustainability strategy with the premier league for how we’re going to educate and develop young players into having more awareness about sustainability and how they’re able to take action

Bonito: Educating young players seems vital and great to have such a wonderful organization like Football for Future onboard. Is there a player you’ve encountered who doesn’t always get the spotlight for their work in the community but deserves recognition? Who would you highlight and why?

Alexei:  There are many players that I know definitely take a lot of community action and as you say they’re not recognized for what they do that I wouldn’t even know myself. I know there are many good people in football, people that want to give back to the community that they come from because they come from very difficult upbringings and use their platform to do good in the world. that is very very important and that’s definitely something that I would love to do is to help people to make the world a better place and maximize my audience and my position as a footballer to have positive impacts on people.

Bonito: Alexei, thank you so much for taking your time today with us and for giving us a glimpse of what we hope is the new modern professional footballer leading the mission for more sustainability in the game.

Alexei: Thank you for having me- we look forward to having Bonito at Emirates Stadium some day!

In the ever-evolving world of football for good, few names resonate as powerfully as Marisa Schlenker’s. A former professional footballer turned global changemaker, Marisa’s journey has transcended the pitch, weaving through some of the most impactful organizations in the sport-for-development arena. From coaching at the Homeless World Cup to her leadership roles with Girl Power Germany, Discover Football, and now as a program manager at the adidas Foundation, Marisa has become a mainstay in this field—an emblem of dedication , expertise and purpose.

Her career isn’t just defined by titles or affiliations but by the profound impact she’s had on communities worldwide. Whether supporting grassroots initiatives or mentoring young leaders in the IOC Young Leaders Program, Marisa’s work reflects a deep belief in football’s potential to break barriers and foster meaningful social change.

In this  interview, we dive into Marisa’s journey—her reflections on the power of the game, the projects that have left lasting marks on her, and her insights on where the sport-for-good movement is headed next.

Bonito: Marisa, your quickly becoming a legend in the sport for good realm! thanks so much for joining us on Bonito.

Marisa: Thanks! Its such a cool platform- awesome to join.

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society?

Marisa: I have been involved in football for many years and my love and passion for the game continues to develop as I take on different roles and responsibilities on and off the pitch. From a player’s perspective, when I think about the football matches and training sessions I’ve participated in, whether it’s at a pick-up with friends or training as part of a development sports workshop through to matches at amateur and professional level, I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to play football in so many different countries and with so many communities and teammates. If I have to name one moment in my football journey where I realized the ‘power’ of the game, I would have to describe my experience at the Homeless World Cup as an assistant coach of the Paraguayan women’s team. Being surrounded by players and coaches from all over the world with such diverse backgrounds and stories was eye-opening. It was one of the first times I realised that it wasn’t just about the results or the outcome of the tournament, it was about more. It was about the process and the journey the teams and organizations had to go through to get there in the first place, and it was about the moments on and off the small pitches that would contribute to further developments on an individual and community level.

Bonito: It feels that so many people involved with the Homeless World Cup come away with that powerful sentiment. Why do you think football evokes such powerful emotions with such a broad range of people all over the world? 

Marisa: Football is played in so many countries and on so many different surfaces around the world. It is a team sport in which every individual has a role to play. It’s a game with many decisions, opportunities and strategies. It’s also about a larger community, not just the players and coaching staff or volunteers, but also the fans, from the players’ family members at the local level to the supporters and fan groups. As football is still seen as the domain of boys and men in some parts of the world, it can also become a place of resistance and change for those who also want and deserve the chance and opportunities to play. Because in theory it does not take too many resources to set up a training or a game, it is seen as a game endowed with power, but this is not always the reality. At a grassroots level, where young people and adults either come into contact with play for the first time or enjoy it as such, play can bring communities together and, when played and practiced in a safe and intentional way, can also be a platform or gateway for further social and community development.

Bonito: Tell us about some of the projects you are currently working on or recently have worked on in the football for good arena?

Marisa: I am part of the volunteer team that supports the development of Girl Power Germany. We have had several opportunities to build a network in Germany through a Leadership Academy, various social leadership skills workshops and weekly girls’ soccer development programs. As a part of the larger Girl Power network, we have worked closely with the team in Denmark to build the foundation and structure of our team and programs. However, there are many actions that depend on our local context and collaboration.

Recently I also concluded a year of training as part of the Steilpass program. 

The team behind the project is phenomenal and the partnership and collaboration between the three Bundesliga teams brought a unique dynamic to the programme. As participants, we were taken on a year-long journey where we learned about the football industry, jobs, roles and responsibilities within the sector and much more. The theoretical component was reinforced by a practical project that was left to the discretion and creativity of the individual participant. The project had to take place in a football club or organisation, so there were certain requirements. A key element of the programme was the support of a mentor. I was lucky enough to learn from a manager at VfL Wolfsburg.

Bonito: Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Marisa: At the moment, it is difficult to say where the non-profit football sector is heading as it is heavily influenced by changes in broader development agendas, funding and approaches as well as movements and shifts in the football sector. In the football sector, it is of course also important to pay attention to what is happening at a professional and international level, as there are impulses, trends and movements that ultimately impact the non-profit football sector. Personally, I see climate change and environmental sustainability becoming even more important to all levels of football and, as is already becoming apparent, will be a force that impacts football at all levels and all over the world. The way in which football clubs, organisations and non-profits are able to adapt, be resilient and continue to deal with the effects of climate change will be of great importance to the protection of football.

I also see that the investment, professionalization and promotion of women’s football will continue to be a force that supports the football for good sector as both are working tirelessly to address gender inequalities and injustices. At both levels of football, the organizations or teams and institutions are committed to removing the barriers and challenges women and girls face in accessing sport and providing them with safe, equitable and quality experiences. For this to be the case, there needs to be a greater focus on creating safe and athlete and participant-centered programs that require safeguarding policies, but also frameworks, mechanisms and training for all stakeholders, including coaches, volunteers, athletes and participants themselves. Sport cannot be positioned as a development tool if it is not delivered in a safe, consistent and user-friendly way.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football (or sport) for social good journey that touched your heart profoundly?

Marisa: From 2021 to 2024, I had the opportunity to work with a group of young social sports entrepreneurs selected as part of the IOC Young Leaders Program to develop their social sports enterprises or social organizations over a four-year period. Together with many experts and an incredible IOC team that funded and managed the program, I was able to support the young leaders in turning their ideas and concepts into organizations and businesses. They tested out their ideas, learned from the process, pivoted in many directions and it was inspiring and educational for me to be part of the supporting team. On their journey, they found out how to develop business models and sustainability plans and lead as inclusive leaders.

Bonito: Is there one colleague at your organization or who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Marisa: I would love to shine more spotlights on so many colleagues or other professionals I admire in this field. I will name a few and do not know if they don’t get enough attention, but I just enjoy seeing what they are doing right now and on their career path, learning from them and collaborating with them whenever possible. These include: Anika Leslie-Walker, Jackie Bachteler, Aya Noguchi and Dr. Lombe Mwambwa.

Bonito: What tremendous experience you have Marisa, so great to have you join us and I really hope we can find some good projects to do together in the future!

Marisa: Thanks so much! its great to have this unique community live!

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BIO

Name: Marisa Schlenker 

Organization (s): employed at adidas Foundation gGmBH and for volunteer work, I support Discover Football and Girl Power Germany

Role: program manager, volunteer, facilitator and coach, safeguarding in sport officer 

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: I do not have a favorite, but feel inspired by so many organizations, from those working at the community level to create more opportunities and access to soccer, to those initiated through partnerships at the professional level. From my experience of working, volunteering, supporting and researching these organizations, I know that soccer can only lead to different social, economic or environmental outcomes if it takes place in a safe, inclusive and sustainable environment and the choice of partners is crucial.

Favorite Football Club: Chicago Red Stars, SC Freiburg

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: As I already work with and support many organizations in the field of sport for development, my dream would be to see greater collaboration between existing sport for change movements and networks to achieve greater impact and develop coherent policies. The use of research, best practice and lessons learned from existing sport for development partnerships and the mechanisms within their structures, processes to share resources and conditions will undoubtedly benefit collaborations addressing complex development issues. I would also like to see more examples of cross-sectoral collaborations where those with knowledge of the specific development challenges are already involved in the program planning stages.

In the heart of Cameroon, where dreams of young girls taking to the pitch were often met with closed doors, La Ligue D’Égalité emerged as a beacon of change. Before its creation in 2022, organized competitions for girls at the grassroots level were virtually nonexistent, leaving countless aspiring players without a stage to showcase their talent or to quench the thirst that comes with falling in love with a sport. But through the vision of Petrichor and the backing of La Liga, a revolution quietly began—one that was not just about football, but about rewriting the narrative for girls in sport. More than a league, it became a movement, forging pathways for young players to step onto the field with pride, knowing that their game mattered.

For Jurian Van Den Berg, one of the driving forces behind this initiative, the key to lasting change lies in community. Petrichor doesn’t just run a league; it weaves a network, uniting teams and individuals who share a relentless passion for advancing girls’ football. This interconnected system fosters professionalism, builds local leadership, and instills the structures needed for the game to thrive—far beyond any single season. It’s this foundation that makes La Ligue D’Égalité more than just a moment in time; it is a blueprint for sustainability, ensuring that the girls who play today will inspire the generations that follow.

Jurian took a break from the pitch in Cameroon and South Africa to discuss this impressive initiative with the Bonito Platform.

Bonito: Hi Jurian, we are just so excited to have you on the platform today to discuss what we think is a very important and model initiative. Tell us about how your passion for football began and at what point did you realize its potential to make a positive change in the world?

Jurian: Thanks so much for having me to discuss the Beautiful Game! Growing up in Cameroon, Africa, football was all around from me from the moment I could walk. Soon, I started to play with the local Cameroonian kids my age and my love for the game just grew and grew. Especially playing on the dirt and sand fields of the neighborhoods gave me a unique experience with football. You don’t need pristine pitches or balls to enjoy football.

Just saying that football was around from the moment I could walk shows the reach that the sport has, not just in Cameroon, but worldwide. Positive change can start small by just forming friendships which is what happened for me. Throughout my life I realized football creates connection which gives a huge opportunity for change and that is how it became a passion.

Bonito: In almost every corner of the planet, one sees young people playing football- Why do you think football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Jurian: Football does not require a certain body build or a certain level of economic stature to enjoy. Every little boy or girl becomes equal when they start playing together, be it on the great fields in the western world or the sand pitches in Africa. All you need is a ball and four sticks for goals and you are set.

Bonito: Tell us about how La Ligue D’Egalite came about in Cameroon? It really feels like a model for how to build a successful structure for girls football in Africa.

Jurian: La Ligue D’Egalité started in 2022 when Petrichor wanted to find a solution to the fact that there were no organized leagues for girls teams in the country. The only women’s leagues are the pro leagues. However, at the grassroots level, there was nothing. Petrichor and La Liga got in contact and shared a vision to promote girls’ football and the partnership was born. The first league started with 6 teams and grew to 10 in the second edition. Now, there are teams coming from multiple regions of Cameroon, hundreds of kilometers away, to play in the league. The past editions, the categories consisted of U13, U15, and U17 and impacted 400-500 girls from different communities.

Bonito: You have a unique approach with building the league there- can you tell us about how your program is built to be successful in the long run?

Jurian: The biggest reason why it is built for the long run is that Petrichor is a community network of teams and individuals putting an importance on girls football. Petrichor is an association where teams can join so that both parties can help each other. This mutual benefit is the key to growing women’s football here because it is building structure and professionalism.  Through this structure, the league will always be finding and pulling more people who have a passion for women’s football. La Ligue D’Egalité teaches these teams and individuals what it means to run a football organization well, as well as professionalism in being on time with the right people and respecting the regulations. By growing girls football at grassroots level, the league can also be successful because more and more girls teams are professional and well run.

Bonito: Tell us about your partnership with La Liga- What role do you see big clubs and leagues like La Liga having in promoting grassroots girls football around the world?

Jurian: Big leagues and clubs obviously have a big presence all over the world just through branding alone, not to mention the actual ‘on the ground’ work that they do. Because of this, they should be the leaders of pushing topics like grassroots girls football that are still growing and need role models. In the case of La Ligue D’Egalité for example, every week a crowd of over 100 people come to the gamedays to watch. This started out because they heard a big organization like La Liga was involved that they know from Fc Barcelona and Real Madrid, and now they come back because they’ve realized girls can actually play beautiful football. Promoting and backing girls football around the world will push the game forward and take away a lot of the stigmas that sadly do still exist all over the world.

Bonito: You recently expanded the program to South Africa- tell us a bit about why you chose South Africa and how is it going there?

Jurian: The first edition of what is called the Mzansi League just finished and it was a great experience. It was really cool to provide that same joy that football brought girls in Cameroon, to girls in South Africa as well. The structure was a little different from Cameroon because this was small sided but that added a really cool dimension the games and experience as well! We chose South Africa because there were people that we trusted from both the Petrichor and La Liga sides. This project has to be done with partners on the ground which made this a logical choice.

Bonito: How does La Ligue d’egalite differ from a lot of other programs aimed at getting more girls involved in the sport at the grassroots level?

Jurian: The biggest difference is that La Ligue D’Egalité is not solely focused on the football side. The platform is a great way to educate girls on leadership, support them through troubles at home, and help in social skills. For example, in the second edition, ‘Goals for Girls’ got involved giving each team talks on having conversations on female leadership. It was one of the highlights that each team mentioned at the end of the League showing its value. Also, women’s coaching courses are given to women involved or connected with the teams in La  Ligue D’Egalité, which again shows it is not just about the football for the girls. Those female coaches have gone on to coach some petrichor teams, local academies and started their own teams. La Ligue D’Egalite is just as much a social project outside of football as in it.

Bonito: Where do you see the future of the football for social impact field headed?

Jurian: The beautiful thing is that because football is such a global industry and passion for so many people, football for social impact will always thrive in my opinion and there will always be opportunities to do good. I do think, like mentioned above, that clubs and organizations will play a big role in its future, growing their presence in different markets by creating social impact through organizations that are on the ground. It is a good match that can benefit both parties in the long run. The biggest struggle for football for social impact organizations is most often the finances and professional football organizations could be a solution.

Bonito: Jurian thanks so much for joining us today and sharing your wonderful work!

Jurian: Thanks so much Bonito Platform! The questions were really fun to answer, what a great initiative this is!

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BIO

Name: Jurian van den Berg

Organization (s): Petrichor Football Association

Role: Country Manager

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: Johan Cruyff Foundation

Favorite Football Club: Sparta Rotterdam

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: Football for Future

 

Those of us working in football and sport-for-good organizations are facing an unprecedented funding crisis. Securing financial support for programs that use sport as a tool for social impact has never been more challenging. Traditional large-scale national donors no longer have the same resources at their disposal, and an increasing number of Western countries are shifting their funding priorities towards local initiatives rather than those traditionally supported in the Global South.

While these traditional funding streams have long provided crucial support, they come with their own set of challenges—chief among them, sustainability. Many impactful programs that rely on government funding have found themselves at the mercy of shifting political priorities and budget cuts. A change in administration or funding policies can dismantle years of progress, forcing organizations to scramble for alternative resources to avoid resetting their impact to zero.

In response, more successful projects are now striving for financial self-sufficiency. Social entrepreneurship has become a key driver of this shift, with groundbreaking initiatives like Ligue d’Égalité demonstrating how sustainable ecosystems can be built around sport. These models ensure that programs are not only independent of external national policies but are also deeply rooted in their communities, maximizing their long-term impact.

This spirit of innovation has also led to a transformation in the way football academies are perceived. The emergence of Right to Dream reshaped the traditional view of academies, proving that they could be more than just talent factories. Instead, they could provide young players in football-loving countries with not only the dream of playing professionally but also the education and skills to build successful futures beyond the pitch.

Now, in Mozambique, Álvaro García Maldonado is taking this concept even further with Football Academies for Social Impact (FASI). His vision intertwines the presence of a football academy with the holistic development of an entire region, fostering an ecosystem that uplifts communities through sport. Álvaro’s journey is an inspiring one—leaving behind a successful career as a football executive and investor in New York to pursue his dream of using the beautiful game to drive social change in Mozambique. With FASI now poised for its next phase of growth, he shares with us how a football academy can be much more than a place for nurturing talent—it can be a catalyst for transforming lives.

Bonito: Álvaro, Thank you so much for joining us, Im so excited to learn more about how you are combining an elite football academy with social responsibility

Alvaro: So wonderful to be on the Bonito Platform!

Bonito: FASI has its origins in your remarkable personal journey, Alvaro. Could you share how you transitioned from a career in finance to working with Bayern Munich and Red Bull FC in New York, and ultimately taking the leap to establish FASI in Mozambique?

Alvaro: My journey into doing good through football has been a step-by-step process, shaped by a desire to create lasting impact where it is most needed. I started my career in finance and impact investing in developing countries, where I worked on projects aimed at fostering economic growth and social development. This experience exposed me to the challenges many communities face, but also to the incredible potential that well-structured initiatives can unlock. During this time, I developed a strong passion for creating impactful and sustainable business models that could drive meaningful change.

At the same time, I had always been drawn to football—not just as a sport but as a powerful tool for development. I saw firsthand how it could unite communities, provide life-changing opportunities, and serve as an entry point for education and personal growth. That realization made me want to channel my experience in impact-driven initiatives into the football world.

Knowing that I needed to further strengthen my expertise, I pursued a Master’s in Sports Management at Columbia University in New York. This was a key step in equipping myself with the right knowledge and network to build a project like FASI. After completing my studies, I sought firsthand experience in football at the highest level, joining Bayern Munich—one of the most successful clubs in the world. There, I gained insights into elite player development, club management, and community engagement.

I then continued to deepen my understanding of youth development and grassroots football by working with New York Red Bulls, where I became deeply involved in the management of a football entity and the understanding of how to create pathways for players to succeed.

Each of these experiences brought me one step closer to my ultimate goal—launching FASI, a social enterprise that leverages football as a tool for impact, transforming the lives of children in developing countries, starting from Mozambique.

Bonito: Mozambique faces significant socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty. Can you provide some context about the situation in the country and how it shapes your work?

Alvaro: Mozambique is a country full of talent and potential, but it faces major socio-economic challenges that directly impact the lives of children, especially girls. Poverty is widespread, and access to essential services like education, healthcare, and proper nutrition remains limited for many families.

At FASI, we operate within this reality, understanding that for many of the children we work with, our program is not just about football—it’s a lifeline. 87% of the children we serve only have one warm meal a day, and it’s the one that FASI provides. This highlights the deep nutritional insecurity in the communities we support and how essential our meal program is to their well-being and physical development.

Education is another significant challenge. Only 11%—just one in ten—girls in Mozambique even access secondary education, let alone complete it. Financial barriers, cultural expectations, and lack of access to quality schooling often prevent girls from continuing their education. This is why education is a key pillar at FASI—we aim to ensure that children not only have access to learning but are supported holistically in their growth and future opportunities.

Beyond these structural challenges, we also recognize that gender roles are deeply rooted in many of the communities we work in. Cultural traditions play an essential role in shaping society, and we respect and embrace them while also working to create new opportunities for both girls and women. Our approach is not about imposing change from the outside but about working within the community to expand possibilities, offering young girls the chance to pursue education, develop their talents, and dream bigger.

The impact of this work extends beyond the girls on the pitch—it also affects the women we employ. By creating meaningful job opportunities for female coaches, educators, and staff, we are supporting economic independence, career growth, and hope for a better future for women in the community. These role models are instrumental in inspiring the next generation, demonstrating that there are multiple pathways to success and leadership.

All of this reinforces how necessary FASI’s continuity is for the well-being of these children and the broader community. What we are building goes beyond football—it’s about providing access, breaking barriers, and fostering long-term change in a way that is respectful, collaborative, and deeply impactful. Through our work, we are not only developing talented athletes but also helping to shape a more inclusive, empowered, and hopeful future for all.

Bonito: FASI is an elite training academy, but it also strives to create meaningful social impact. Could you tell us more about how you achieve this balance?

Alvaro: At FASI, we believe that football should be accessible to every child, regardless of their background, gender, or socio-economic status. While we have an excellence program designed for those who aspire to pursue a professional career in the sport, our approach is deeply rooted in inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunity.

Through our growing network of satellite academies, we already work with over 3,000 boys and girls across the country, ensuring that children in rural and underserved communities have access to structured football training, education, and health support. These free-to-play academies serve as the foundation of FASI, allowing us to create safe spaces where football becomes more than just a game—it becomes a vehicle for empowerment, education, and improved well-being.

Our “no child left behind” policy ensures that every child who wants to play, learn, and grow with us has a place in our programs. Whether they dream of becoming professional athletes or simply want a structured environment to develop life skills, we make sure that every child benefits from FASI’s three core pillars: Talent Development, Health, and Education.

For those who show the ability and desire to pursue football at a professional level, we offer our excellence program, which provides a higher level of training, mentorship, and career pathways. However, what makes FASI unique is that every single athlete in our excellence program comes from our satellite academies—ensuring that access to elite development is not dictated by financial means but by talent, dedication, and passion.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what we do. By embedding education, life skills training, and well-being initiatives into all aspects of our programs, we are creating a model that does not solely depend on producing professional footballers to be considered a success. Instead, we ensure that every child benefits—whether they pursue a career in football or take their skills and knowledge into other professional paths.

Ultimately, FASI is much more than an elite football academy—we are a platform for opportunity, growth, and social change, ensuring that every child we reach has the support they need to build a brighter future, no matter where they come from.

Bonito: At FASI, you prioritize employing locals in roles and services associated around the academy. How important do you think it is for sports-for-good projects to consider the local ecosystem, ensuring sustainability beyond the lifespan of initial funding?

Alvaro: For FASI, embracing and respecting the traditions and culture of the local communities we become part of is paramount. We believe that our impact can only be meaningful and lasting if it aligns with the values and practices of the communities we serve. By integrating ourselves into the fabric of local life, we foster trust, mutual respect, and genuine partnerships that enhance the sustainability of our initiatives.

We have set self-imposed metrics to ensure our commitment to community integration and empowerment is tangible. At all times, at least 90% of our employees are Mozambican, coming from the very communities we work in, which helps to create a sense of ownership and pride among our team and the broader community. Additionally, we are dedicated to gender equality within our organization, maintaining a minimum of 50% female employees. This approach provides powerful role models for the young girls and boys in our programs and demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

We also believe in investing in the personal and professional growth of our staff. By consistently covering the costs for further education, certifications, and development programs, we empower our employees to advance their careers and expand their knowledge. This not only enhances their contributions to FASI but also equips them for broader opportunities beyond our organization, ensuring that their personal growth continues regardless of FASI’s journey.

Our approach is about more than just employment—it’s about building capacity and fostering long-term resilience within the community. By creating clear growth plans and supporting continuous development, we help our staff envision a better future for themselves and their families. This holistic support extends the impact of FASI well beyond the playing field, contributing to sustainable community development.

In sports-for-good projects, sustainability goes hand-in-hand with local integration. By empowering local staff, respecting cultural norms, and investing in community-driven growth, we ensure that the positive changes initiated by FASI are rooted in the community and can thrive independently in the long run. This commitment to local engagement and empowerment is at the heart of our strategy to create enduring social impact.

Bonito: Reflecting on your journey in football journey, is there a particular moment or experience that profoundly touched you and reinforced your commitment to this work?

Alvaro: There have been many moments that have reaffirmed my commitment to this work, but some of the most powerful have come from meeting the parents of the children we support. Seeing the gratitude in their eyes when they realize that we are providing their children with an opportunity they would have never been able to afford—and doing so purely out of a genuine desire to support and uplift those who don’t have the same opportunities—has been incredibly moving. Many of these parents never imagined that their children could have access to structured football training, proper education, and nutritional support. Knowing that FASI is not just transforming the lives of the children, but also bringing hope and relief to their families, reinforces why we do what we do.

Another defining experience was my time at El Cambio Academy in Uganda and Right to Dream in Ghana. These initiatives have demonstrated that when done right, football academies in underserved communities can serve as powerful engines for social mobility and systemic change. They have produced talent capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport, allowing children who dream of professional careers to pursue them.

At the same time, these projects have empowered boys and girls from rural communities in Africa to graduate from top-tier universities around the world, thanks to the structured support they received from an early age. Many of these young men and women return to their home communities with the tools, education, and confidence to create lasting change—whether by mentoring the next generation, starting businesses, or contributing to the development of local institutions.

These experiences validated FASI’s model and strengthened my belief that we are shaping future leaders, role models, and change-makers. Seeing the tangible impact of such projects has been a reminder that the work we are doing at FASI is about opening doors, redefining possibilities, and creating pathways to a better future for thousands of children and their families.

Bonito: If you could collaborate with any organization in the world to create a project, who would you choose and why? What would make them an ideal partner for FASI?

Alvaro: This is a particularly relevant question at this moment in time, as FASI is actively looking for partners, sponsors, and supporters to ensure our sustainability over time and further elevate the impact of our work. To anyone reading this who feels called to be part of a project like ours—or knows someone who might—we invite you to reach out to us at contact@fasi.world.

Right now, we are in search of an exclusive lead partner in the form of a football club that can support all three of our core pillars—Talent Development, Health, and Education—while also helping us uplift our coaching standards and expand our reach. This partnership will play a critical role in shaping the future of the children we support, particularly those with the dream and ability to pursue a professional career in football.

We are currently in conversations with several clubs, carefully evaluating each potential partner to ensure full alignment with our values, mission, and long-term vision. While time is of the essence—and we aim to finalize this opportunity within the first quarter of the year—we are also taking a granular and deliberate approach to selecting the right club. It is crucial for us that any partner we bring on board respects and aligns with FASI’s mission and objectives beyond their own, prioritizing the well-being and development of the children we serve. We are looking for a club that, within their area of expertise, can help maximize the chances of those with the dream of becoming professional footballers to reach the highest levels of the game through structured pathways and exposure.

At the same time, this partnership is also a highly attractive opportunity for the club itself, and the organizations we are speaking with fully recognize the value in this collaboration. The proposal we have put forward presents a win-win scenario for all involved—FASI, the club, and most importantly, the children whose lives will be transformed. The club that joins us as our exclusive lead partner will gain a unique and meaningful presence in one of the most talent-rich regions of the world, positioning itself as a key player in the development of elite footballers in Africa. Beyond talent identification and player development, the club will be part of a movement that is driving real social impact, reinforcing its global reputation as a force for good in football.

Beyond this exclusive club partnership, we also extend an open invitation to corporations, foundations, and individuals who want to be part of FASI’s journey. Whether through funding, resources, expertise, or other forms of collaboration, there are many ways to contribute to our transformative mission. We are building something that goes beyond football, creating opportunities that change lives, and we welcome those who share our vision to join us in making a lasting impact.

For those who feel inspired to collaborate, please reach out—we would love to explore ways to work together.

Bonito: At Bonito, we believe every grassroots football coach is also a social impact practitioner. Could you highlight one of your Mozambican coaches at FASI who embodies this philosophy and share what makes them stand out?

Alvaro: One of the most inspiring figures at FASI is Coach Felismina Moiane, known as Coach Djime. She has been with us for almost a year, serving as both a football coach and the Coordinator of FASI’s Female Division, playing a pivotal role in developing the next generation of female footballers in Mozambique.

Coach Djime embodies everything FASI stands for—commitment, excellence, and a deep passion for using football as a tool for empowerment. She is a professional first-division football player while also pursuing a degree in Sports Science and Physical Education at IMEDE (the Mozambican National Institute for Sports). Her ability to balance her academic pursuits, athletic career, and coaching responsibilities makes her a powerful role model for the young girls in our program.

At FASI, we are committed to investing in the personal and professional growth of our staff, and Coach Djime is a great example of this. As part of our commitment to capacity-building and long-term development, we have covered the costs for her to obtain her CAF (African Football Confederation) coaching certification, ensuring she continues to grow as a football professional.

Her impact extends far beyond the pitch. She is a living example that with the right opportunities, dedication, and guidance, young girls in Mozambique can pursue both education and football at a high level. She leads by example, showing our student-athletes that success is achievable both on and off the field.

At FASI, we are incredibly fortunate to have local leaders like Coach Djime, whose presence not only elevates the level of football development in our academy but also inspires a new generation of young girls to believe in their potential. She is a testament to our commitment to empowering women in football, providing opportunities for personal growth, and ensuring that our impact is driven by talented Mozambican professionals from within the community.

Coach Djime represents the heart of what we do at FASI—creating pathways for success, fostering role models, and making football a force for real, lasting change.

Bonito: Álvaro, thanks so much for joining us today, you are really a shining example of dedication in the football for good field! And to all those clubs out there, contact Alvaro right away to both help with the social impact of Mozambique but also to perhaps find the next Mozambiquan Messi or Ronaldo!

Alvaro: Thanks so much for having me and we look forward to hosting Bonito in Mozambique some day!

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BIO

Name: Álvaro García Maldonado

Organization (s): FASI – Football Academies for Social Impact

Role: Founder & CEO

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: El Cambio Academy

Favorite Football Club: Real Madrid

Website: https://fasi.world/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fasi-footballacademiesforsocialimpact/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fasi.impact

It was 2002, and Brazil had just clinched their record-breaking fifth World Cup title. In Zimbabwe, a nine-year-old boy named Webster sat glued to the TV, captivated by Ronaldo and the magic of the beautiful game. Little did he know, this moment would shape his destiny. As twilight fell and his mother called him to wash away the day’s dirt, Webster began to map out his life in four-year cycles, using future World Cups as guideposts. Secondary school by 2006, A-levels by 2010, and university by 2014—such was the impact of football on his dreams. With only his imagination and passion as tools, Webster’s journey into the world of football had begun.

Fast forward 22 years, and that young boy with big dreams has transformed into a researcher and advocate who has married his love for football with a commitment to social impact. Webster’s career spans groundbreaking research on football and international trade to meaningful work with marginalized communities. His story is a testament to the unifying power of football and its ability to inspire not just ambition, but real, tangible change in the world.

Bonito: Hi Webster, thanks for joining us. Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Webster: Thanks for having me! For me the setting is 2002, Brazil have just lifted a record fifth World Cup inspired by Ronaldo. A young 9 year old boy has just finished watching the first world cup of the 21st century without the slightest realization of how this historical experience would shape his destiny. Due to the vagaries of time zones between Asia and my modest landlocked country of Zimbabwe, I am called to bath by my mother at twilight to wash up having just witnessed the trophy presentation. As I do that, I envisage my life before me with the use of future World Cups as my guiding thread, only after my father had informed me it occurred every four years. By my final systemic tally, referenced by 4 year intervals (all World Cup years), my ambitions consist roughly of going to secondary school by 2006, being in A level by 2010 and to be in University by 2014; such was my love for Sport. Thus, I would begin my journey armed with nothing but my idealistic conceptualizations and my 4 year plans.

Twenty-two years on, I can definitely say that my shower daydreaming that cool late afternoon in July somewhat kick-started my mobility towards my involvement in football/sport as I have managed to marry my passion to reason.

Bonito: Why do you think football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world? 

Webster: I believe football evokes powerful sentiments from people the world over as it has something that sets it apart from other sports, whether it be its status as the most played sport globally, the opportunities it creates beyond football (think jobs, inclusion etc), the adoration of players as role models which allow children to dream or the tribalism (rivalries) that characterizes it – the fusion and intersection of all of these makes football have such a powerful reach

Bonito: Tell us about your current research at the University of Malmö regarding football and trade?

Webster: Of course! I am researching on football and international trade to try to understand how football clubs use free trade agreements when sourcing their goods and services (including players) and whether they impress international trade sustainability standards within their supply chains.

Bonito: FIFA and the WTO recently started a partnership, what is the potential impact (positive or negative of such a partnership)?

Webster: This is a great question and this partnership is something I have also been trying to factor into my research as FIFA naturally carries influence. On the positives, this partnership is predicated at harmonizing trade and football by having manufacturing of football products such as shirts, kits etc happening in 4 or 5 African countries with supposedly the most sustainable cotton in the world. A number of positives can be read from this. Firstly, having these products manufactured, then exported from Africa would bring in more GDP for the African countries exporting the products which will be value added, compared to the age long and economically unsustainable practice whereby African countries export raw materials primarily. In general we need to find ways to allow all parts of the world to benefit from the massive economic opportunities that come with growing the football industry. 

Another potential benefit is the globalization of the football industry. For instance, manufacturing often takes place in different regions, which can support local cotton farmers and boost the local manufacturing sector. However, as with most globalized processes, there may be negative externalities, particularly concerning labor standards and the rights of workers in these manufacturing industries.

Bonito: Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Where do you think academics in this field will focus their research on?

Webster: This is an interesting question. I genuinely think that this field will, if not already, develop in a trajectory that sees sport organizations (football clubs and private companies) as the main player or actors as they are the middle man between producers or  suppliers and society, hence have a major role to play. Furthermore, as politics becomes increasingly intertwined with sports, researchers will need to focus on an emerging angle: beyond the traditional narrative of  regimes using sports for propaganda, their involvement may also reflect elements of “sport for social good.” This trend highlights how gaining legitimacy through sports is likely to increasingly incorporate such dimensions in the future.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football (or sport) for social good journey that touched your heart profoundly?

Webster: I worked on a project with the Saudi sport for All organization by consulting on how to attract and retain girls in sport. For me, this was a poignant experience as Nike agreed to partner with Saudi Sport for All organization by providing Nike themed hijabs as we perceived the lack or apparel as  one of the main barriers to female participation in sport. It was refreshing as this exercise resulted in so many girls participating in sport and some also being identified and supported to pursue their chosen sports further at a competitive level.

Bonito: Is there one colleague at your organization or who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Webster: This would be Franz Atare, who invented the game called Floormatics aimed at inclusion of the blind therefore allowing the blind and those with no visual impairment to compete on a level playing field. 

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BIO

Name: Webster Chakawata

Organization (s): Malmö University

Role: Researcher

Favorite Football Club: The Arsenal FC

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: Laureus

 

 

Elliot Arthur-Worsop didn’t just grow up as a Brighton & Hove Albion supporter—he grew up living and breathing the rollercoaster that comes with loving a club through relegations, promotions, and Premier League dreams. But as his relationship with football deepened, so did his awareness of its potential for more than victory on the pitch. Inspired by movements like Common Goal and Kick It Out, Elliot realized football could drive social change. Now, as the founder of Football For Future (FFF), Elliot is tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: using football to inspire action against climate change. In this interview, he shares his journey, the urgency of FFF’s work, and the critical intersection between sport and sustainability.

Bonito: Elliot, thanks so much for joining us to talk about your fantastic and rapidly growing organization Football for Future!

Elliot: Thanks for having me and sharing our story.

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Elliot: I’ve been a lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion fan, experiencing all the ups and downs that come with supporting a club like ours. From relegations and promotions to playoff heartbreak and the eventual rise to the Premier League, my love for the game has been deeply personal and transformative.

Growing up playing football myself, often channeling my inner Zizou, I saw firsthand how football brings people together. But it wasn’t just about playing or watching—it was the powerful social movements that used football as a vehicle for change that inspired me. Organizations like Football Beyond Borders, Common Goal, Kick It Out, and initiatives like Rainbow Laces showed me how the game could address issues like racism, gender inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights. These movements inspired me to explore how football could also play a pivotal role in the climate movement.

Bonito: Football resonates deeply across cultures and continents. In your view, what makes the sport such a universal and emotional connection point for people around the world?

Elliot: Football is not just the most fun and engaging sport, it taps into universal values that resonate across cultures, age groups, and backgrounds. The game embodies teamwork, respect, belief, and the magic of possibility—it reminds us that anything can happen, right up until the last minute. There’s also a certain tribalism and identity that comes with supporting a club or team, creating a sense of belonging that traditional outreach methods often can’t achieve. This mix of joy and loyalty makes football the perfect tool to reach people who might otherwise be hard to engage. Not only is it the funnest game ever, it speaks to important values that cut across all demographics and parts of society. teamwork, respect, belief, magic, fairness, anything is possible until the last minute. also tribalism!

Bonito: Tell us about how Football for Future started and where do you see it 5 years from now?

Elliot: Football For Future started in a pretty organic way. I come from an environmental activism background, and one day I went to a climate demo wearing my Brighton shirt. I grabbed a pizza box and wrote “Brighton Fans for Climate Justice” on the back. The response I got was overwhelming—it really clicked that football and climate could connect in a meaningful way.

At the time, I was studying a master’s in Movement Building at the Institute of Development Studies and started looking deeper into how football could be a vehicle for climate action. Football has already been an amazing platform for causes like food poverty, gender equity, and racial justice, but no one had seriously explored its potential for climate advocacy. I teamed up with a brilliant designer I knew, and Football For Future was born.

Looking five years ahead, I’d love for us to be out of business because that would mean the global football industry has taken serious, proportionate climate action. The sector is starting to move, but it’s a race against time.

Bonito: Where do you see the football for good sector going in the next years in the UK, given its prominence as the host of the worlds biggest football league? 

Elliot: I see the sector leaning more toward branding and purpose-driven business models. The older charitable or non-profit frameworks are becoming outdated, especially when trying to connect with younger audiences. It’s not just about doing good anymore—it’s about communicating that purpose effectively. And with grant funding drying up, partly due to Brexit, there’s going to be a need for more innovative approaches to secure support and engage stakeholders. It’ll be interesting to see how this evolves.

Bonito: We think so too- we also agree that younger audiences are after a certain authenticity when it comes to purpose driven initiatives- feels like there can be a real power in that going forward.

Elliot: Absolutely

Bonito: What do you think of the new UK Football Governance Bill? (For those who don’t know about the bill, it intends to appoint a regulator to ensure that English football is sustainable and resilient for the benefit of fans and the local communities football clubs serve)

Elliot: The Football Governance Bill is an important step, especially if it genuinely prioritizes the interests of players, clubs, and fans. However, it’s vital that environmental sustainability is a key part of its framework. It’s about finding ways to integrate these goals in a way that is realistic and beneficial for the game itself, while addressing broader social and environmental responsibilities.

Bonito: We are seeing this dramatic impact  from climate change already around the world and grassroots football programs are no exceptions. what are some examples of the impact climate change has on grassroots programs and what do you estimate the societal cost of this negative effect on the social services it provides? (here im thinking about the social value of football and the lack of access that climate change is causing- it must have quite a cost to society!).

Elliot: Grassroots football is already feeling the effects of climate change. In the UK alone, it’s estimated that between 62,500 to 120,000 grassroots matches are canceled or postponed each year due to climate-related disruptions. Flooding has become a massive issue—about a third of community pitches are already unplayable for two months of the year. With the Met Office predicting winters up to 30% wetter by 2070, the situation is only going to get worse.

Extreme heat, heavy rain, and scheduling chaos are also factors. This means players miss out on games, affecting both physical and mental health. For smaller clubs, these disruptions can be a death sentence, potentially causing them to fold, which can fracture vital community organizations. And we can’t ignore the fact that women’s football and grassroots programs are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions, exacerbating existing inequalities.

Bonito: It is as you said a race against the clock.

Bonito: Tell us Elliot, what has been the most touching moment thus far in your FFF journey?

Elliot: From a professional standpoint, working with academy players has been one of the most inspiring aspects of my journey. The conversations we have about the future of the planet and the game are incredibly motivating—it’s amazing to think these could be future Premier League or World Cup stars leading the charge for climate action.

On a personal note, one of my favorite moments was having my dad join me at the Eden Project, where I was speaking alongside my good friend, Arsenal goalkeeper Alexei Rojas. It was a special weekend, and it meant a lot to me for my dad to see me in my element, doing something I’m so passionate about.

Bonito: Thanks so much for talking to us today Elliot- the work you do is so fantastic and as a field we are so lucky to have you helping lead the charge towards climate justice and advocacy in our beautiful game.

Elliot: Thanks so much and great to see Bonito growing- great initiative!

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BIO

Name: Elliot Arthur-Worsop

About: Elliot is a climate expert and Sports Industry 30-under-30 Leader. Elliot is founder of Football For Future (FFF), a pioneering non-profit specialising in football, climate awareness and sustainable impact.

FFF have developed industry-leading climate education and training programmes in football, award winning player advocacy campaigns, and sustainability strategies for Premier League clubs and national football leagues.

Partners include Nike, the Premier League, Arsenal, Chelsea and more.

Organization (s): football for future 

Role: founder

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: common goal!

Favorite Football Club: Brighton!

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: PLCF or common goal again!

 

AT RISK COMMUNITY SPORT ORGANISATIONS AROUND THE
WORLD THREATENED BY CLIMATE CHANGE TAKE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ACTION

Diverse sport-based community organisations, many based in the most vulnerable areas on Earth due to the effects of climate change, have celebrated the arrival of Fields of Change, the first ever sustainability resource for grassroots organisations. This unique training resource is designed to inspire sport for good organisations worldwide to integrate environmental sustainability into their projects and communities.

Fields of Change was created by environmental non-profit Football For Future and Common Goal, the social and environmental impact collective in global football, and has been supported by adidas under the company’s Move for the Planet platform. Sport is increasingly impacted by climate change – freezing and flooding pitches, extreme heat affecting athlete health, and limited access to sport for vulnerable communities are just a few of the challenges facing the sector. With sport playing a crucial role in communities worldwide, the arrival of the Fields of Change handbook provides organisations for the first time with the tools to adapt to these challenges while driving meaningful environmental action. The innovation has been celebrated by community leaders and elite athletes alike.

Alexei Rojas, the Colombia international and Arsenal Goalkeeper, said: “Sport is such a vital part of South America’s cultural identity that we should take a leadership position in advancing the conversation around climate action to take solid steps collectively every single day, no matter how modest. The Fields of Change handbook is such an inspiring step forward as it can be embraced by all sport-based organisations at the heart of our communities throughout the continent, while also being part of a wider international collective of change makers in sport.”

Emilio Martinez, regional project manager for love.fútbol in Mexico City said: “With higher rates of drought, coupled with a changing rainy season pattern, we are already seeing the effects of climate change on the communities we work in, and we want to be amongst the first groups taking meaningful action from the grassroots upwards when it comes to how community sports space creation can be a part of the solution. The Fields of Change handbook serves as a guide for us to take action, both here locally, and also collectively with other community organisations around the world. Operating in regions that are amongst the highest areas of risk of negative climate impact, we see an important opportunity for love.fútbol to take a leadership role in showing the rest of the sports industry what can be achieved if we all work together.”

Sofie Junge Pedersen, the Denmark international and Inter Milan midfielder said: “This is an important step in empowering grassroots sport organisations worldwide to take tangible action against climate change, with many of them facing the very real and urgent risk of its harshest impacts. The Fields of Change handbook is a game-changer, enabling grassroots sport to unite and work collaboratively in taking climate action. Climate change is a challenge for all of humanity, and we can only make meaningful progress if we move forward together, one step at a time.”

Greg Preston, Head of Football for Indochina Starfish Foundation in Cambodia said: “Fields of Change is a positive and groundbreaking initiative that allows us to embed sustainability into the heart of our community. It gives us all a pathway to educate and take action and allows us to be an active part of the growing community in international sport committed to driving climate action in and through sport.”

The Fields Of Change handbook compiles groundbreaking insights from learning sessions delivered to Move for the Planet grantees, specifically a collaboration of nine global sport for good organisations across eight countries and four continents. This handbook serves as an essential guide for sports organisations on their journey toward sustainability, offering practical tools and strategies for implementing environmental best practices. The handbook covers key sustainability topics, including:

● Understanding Sustainability and Climate Change: Explaining the unprecedented rate of environmental change, and how sport can respond to climate challenges on human timescales.● Sustainability in Sport: Highlighting how sport can lead both operationally and socially toward a sustainable future.
● Sustainable Infrastructure: Guiding organisations on how to measure, mitigate, and adapt their infrastructure to reduce environmental impacts.
● Waste Management: Offering effective systems for waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal.
● Climate Communication: Utilising sport’s global influence to communicate environmental messages and inspire positive behaviour changes.
● Sport and Sustainability Leadership: Encouraging athletes, clubs, and governing bodies to take a leadership role in climate action.

The Fields of Change handbook has already seen positive impacts, with organisations like Organization Earth in Greece tackling plastic pollution and recycling in refugee camps, and Fútbol con Corazón in Colombia, which is launching a recycling business to repurpose plastic waste.

Adidas has contributed through its Move for the Planet initiative, funding global projects that educate and engage communities on sustainability and enhance sports facilities to withstand extreme weather conditions. This initiative showcases the collective power of the sporting community to drive change, with sport for good organisations uniquely positioned to influence local communities and build a more sustainable future.

Elliot Arthur-Worsop, Football For Future Founder said: “Fields of Change is a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable sport. For the first time, community sports organisations have a resource that empowers them to protect their communities, support their environment, and lead the way in climate action. Through this handbook, we’re seeing the immense potential of sport to not only inspire but also actively drive change at the very heart of our communities. With support from adidas and in partnership with Common Goal, we’ve created something that goes beyond the pitch – it’s about building a legacy of resilience and sustainability for future generations”.

Jérémy Houssin, Common Goal Sustainability and Environmental Lead said: “Sport is a powerful unifier, and through Fields of Change, we’re mobilising that power to respond to one of humanity’s biggest challenges: climate change. This handbook equips community organisations with the knowledge and practical tools to tackle environmental issues, helping them become local leaders in climate action. We are thrilled to have collaborated with Football For Future and adidas on this project, showing that even small steps, taken together, can spark global momentum. This resource is a testament to what’s possible when we prioritise our planet’s future and work together across all levels of sport”.

The State of Play: Sport and Climate Change
● Global Wildlife Decline: Since Pelé lifted the 1970 FIFA World Cup, there has been on average almost a 70% decline in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, with human activities as the leading cause.

● Oceans in Crisis: By the time Coco Gauff is 50 years old in 2054, plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish.

● Sport’s Carbon Footprint: The global annual CO2 equivalent emissions from sport is estimated to be as much as 300 million tonnes – equivalent to the annual emissions of France.

● Olympic Concerns: Without rapid CO2 emission reductions, by the time of the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, the world will have likely exceeded the 1.5°C global average temperature rise target of the Paris Agreement, with potentially irreversible climatic consequences.

Despite these challenges, sport holds immense power to drive positive change. The Fields Of Change handbook – the first resource of its kind – offers sport for good organisations the tools and guidance to lead sustainability efforts and create a lasting impact.

visit Football for Future here to learn more and download the guide

It is becoming a universally accepted notion that our food systems are broken. Currently (especially in the west), food production creates a massive negative impact on the environment and has taken us to the verge of global food insecurity. The positive of this newly accepted notion is the opportunities that it allows for tech, data, innovation and new models to  create a healthier food system and a value and power transfer for the planets largest sector. In short there are massive opportunities to achieve a sustainable and healthy transformation of the food system. 

17 Sport’s latest article , “How Sports Lead the Way in Sustainable Food Choices”, explores the growing connection between the sports industry and sustainable food practices. It highlights how sports organizations, from stadiums to athletes, are leveraging their platform to advocate for healthier, eco-friendly food choices. This movement is driven by the realization that food production has a significant environmental impact, and sports entities are uniquely positioned to lead by example due to their large, global audiences.

Key examples include stadiums adopting plant-based menus and reducing food waste through initiatives like composting and redistribution to communities in need. The article also discusses how high-profile athletes are advocating for sustainable diets, using their influence to inspire fans and the general public to make more responsible food choices. These efforts show that the sports world can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable consumption, given its cultural influence.

By aligning sustainability with the excitement of sports, the article suggests that the industry can drive significant behavioral change. This growing movement underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of the sports ecosystem, from corporate responsibility to fan engagement, to create a more environmentally conscious future.

In countries around the world food and technology is becoming an ever increasing partnership for addressing planetary concerns- could football as a truly global game make this a truly unique value proposition which also could have a tremendous impact on communities around the world.

Football clubs have a unique position- when Cristiano Ronaldo says no to a cola and promotes that young people drink water- it gets attention. Could big football clubs, make strategic partnerships with food and technology to deliver another element to sustainability? UEFA recently made news with there first sustainable catering guidelines for food and beverage concessionaries recognizing that their operations can have a significant impact on not only fan experience but fan health and environmental footprint.

The European Football Development Network (EFDN) also has highlighted the importance and impact of food by taking part in the Consumers Understanding of Eating Sustainably (CUES) project.

Food and sports are in many ways inseparable. the young footballer is fueled by the nutrition their diet accounts for as they step on the pitch. Just as a healthy football fan into their later years will depend on their health to be able to follow their favorite team at a ripe old age. Not to mention the edge our favorite athletes get when their diet is orchestrated by a keen maestro with an eye to nature and sustainable processes. In many ways, we in the sports world are natural ambassadors for this food revolution.

Could food be the hook where football and latch onto to make a real and tangible difference in the global goals?

For more details, you can check the original article here.

Read more about the EFDN CUES Project here

UEFA catering guidelines