at 
Sport England’s Chris Boardman calls for urgent action at Sport Positive Summit
A Call to Action for Sports Clubs
Sports clubs and organizations must elevate their efforts to combat climate change and become key leaders in this global battle, said Chris Boardman, chairman of Sport England, during the opening of the Sport Positive Summit at the Oval cricket ground in London. Boardman, a former Olympic cycling champion, emphasized the need for the sports sector to take advantage of its influence in shaping public opinion and driving change.
“While there is commendable work being done by grassroots and professional clubs, sport is still not utilizing its full potential in the fight against climate change,” said Boardman. “If climate change is a ‘threat multiplier,’ sport can be a ‘solution multiplier.’ It’s time for us to fully harness this platform and use it to win hearts and minds.”
The Environmental Impact of Sports
The global sports industry has a significant carbon footprint and is vulnerable to climate change’s effects. Rising temperatures, floods, and droughts have already disrupted multiple sporting events. Boardman highlighted sports’ massive contribution to carbon emissions and waste, stressing the need for systemic changes.
“We need to rewire the system,” Boardman urged, “so that there are incentives for doing the right thing and consequences for doing the wrong thing.” He pointed to expanded UEFA and FIFA competitions, as well as long-distance pre-season tours, which contribute heavily to sports-related emissions.
Despite this, Boardman refrained from advocating outright bans on flying, instead calling for a balanced approach. “It’s time for all our top football clubs to step up and put themselves on the right side of history,” he said.
Spotlight on Football and Sustainability
In his keynote speech, Boardman singled out the Premier League, the world’s most popular sports league, for inconsistent environmental actions. He noted that half of the Premier League clubs flew to the United States for pre-season friendlies this year, while some clubs took even more extensive travel, such as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, which flew to Melbourne just days after the season ended.
“I don’t believe in outright bans on flying, but we need to strike a much better balance,” Boardman explained. “Football has the reach and influence to set a powerful example.”
Boardman commended clubs such as Southampton and West Ham for their efforts to support local communities and lower-tier football clubs. These initiatives help sustain the football pyramid while reducing travel-related emissions and boosting local economies.
Athletes and Climate Responsibility
British rower Imogen Grant, winner of a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, also spoke at the summit. Named BBC’s Green Sports Awards Athlete of the Year for her work on clean water initiatives, Grant reflected on the difficult position athletes often face when it comes to balancing personal environmental values with the demands of their sports.
“As an individual, it’s easier to make personal choices to reduce your carbon footprint, but the real change comes from collective action,” said Grant.
What Lies Ahead
Boardman closed his remarks by highlighting the positive work being done by clubs like Forest Green Rovers and Lewes, which have taken substantial steps to promote sustainability. These clubs have introduced measures such as community gardens, vegan menus, and recycled kits, showing that meaningful change is possible.
The Sport Positive Summit made it clear that while progress is being made, the sports world still has a long way to go. With its unparalleled reach and influence, the sector has the opportunity to be at the forefront of climate action – if it chooses to rise to the challenge.
