Calverton Miners Welfare FC, based in Calverton, recently signed up to the Greener Game programme, an initiative from The Football Association (The FA) and energy provider, E.ON Next.
The club has received a free energy audit as part of the national programme to improve the sustainability credentials of grassroots football clubs.
Together, The FA and E.ON Next aim to drive decarbonisation, promote sustainable practices, and reduce energy costs for clubs across the country.
Calverton Miners Welfare is the latest team to benefit in the first year of the programme, and has received a free energy audit from E.ON Next. The audit and follow-up report, will help the club to manage their energy usage and hopefully reduce costs, therefore helping preserve its position at the heart of the local community for years to come.
Over the next four years, the Greener Game programme will empower grassroots clubs by providing them with funding opportunities for sustainable upgrades, alongside a wealth of educational resources and energy-saving guides.
The programme is set to invest £1.5 million annually into grassroots football, benefiting around 75-100 clubs each year. In addition, many more clubs will benefit from energy and cost saving advice and guidance from E.ON Next. Clubs that sign up to the programme will receive an Energy Support Pack, empowering them to make positive changes to their club’s energy needs.
Dean Wilson, Chairman at Calverton Miners Welfare said: “We’re delighted to receive this audit as part of the Greener Game programme. Energy bills are a large part of our running costs, so to be able to take steps that help to keep them down is a real boost. We’re also passionate about reducing our carbon footprint, and the investment from The FA and E.ON Next will be a huge boost to our decarbonisation efforts.”
Phil Woodward, The FA’s Head of Clubs and Facilities, said: “Our Greener Game programme is a significant milestone for grassroots football and sustainability. Improving facilities is a key part of our grassroots strategy and our partnership with E.ON Next allows us to give clubs like Calverton Miners Welfare practical tools and knowledge to embrace energy-efficient practices that will not only improve their operations and benefit the environment, but will also enable them to save money.”