PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
A huge volume of waste is generated during football matches, a problem that becomes particularly acute at the biggest matches and international tournaments (UEFA Champions League, EURO 2016, World Cup etc.), which attract thousands and thousands of people. In addition to waste, several other environmental issues are raised by football matches, such as energy and water consumption, as well as mobility. The average European football match generates 0.8 kg of waste per spectator, which corresponds to 4.2 tonnes of waste per match. When all matches organised by European national football associations are taken into account, the overall waste generation is an estimated 750 000 tonnes per year. So far, a few national football associations or football clubs have a proper environmental strategy.
OBJECTIVES
LIFE TACKLE aims to show a red card to poor environmental management governance by national football associations (NFA) and both organisational and operational level. It will also raise fans' environmental awareness in order to reduce the environmental impact of football matches. This will involve preparing guidelines for three national football associations Italy, Romania and Sweden, so that they are informed about relevant environmental legislation and trained to implement and share best practice. The project will develop and implement communication campaigns to increase awareness on environmental issues among football clubs, football fan clubs, supporters, stadium and sport facilities staff, also by deploying the influence of clubs and famous football players. It will work with UEFA to establish a replicability management board and build ties with the organisers of UEFA EURO 2020, so as to share results during that tournament, by involving another four national football associations. In addition to social media, the project will use advanced communication techniques such as display panels in stadiums, messages on tickets and vox pop fan videos at matches to disseminate its environmental management and waste prevention message to football supporters.
LIFE TACKLEis in line with the goals set by the Waste Framework Directive and the Circular Economy Package.
Expected results: