Environmental Sustainability
Foreword by Kayleigh Saunders
As CEO of Middlesex County Football Association, it is both an honour and a responsibility to lead an organisation that values the power of football to inspire positive change. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it is a cornerstone of our mission to ensure that football thrives for generations to come...
Company Goals
At Middlesex FA, our overarching goal is to embed sustainability into every facet of our operations. From the pitches where our players compete to the offices where decisions are made, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. This includes initiatives to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices within our facilities. We are actively working towards a future where football in Middlesex is not only inclusive and accessible but also environmentally responsible.
Grassroots Clubs Commitments
Our grassroots clubs are the heartbeat of football in Middlesex, and their role in promoting sustainability cannot be overstated. We are proud to support these clubs in adopting eco-friendly practices. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, implementing recycling programs, or exploring renewable energy solutions, we are providing the resources and guidance needed to make these changes practical and impactful. We’re also fostering a culture of education, encouraging clubs to engage their communities in conversations about sustainability and to lead by example. Together, we can ensure that our shared passion for football contributes to a healthier planet.
Personal Commitments
Sustainability starts with each of us, and as CEO, I am personally committed to championing this cause. I pledge to ensure that Middlesex FA’s sustainability goals are not just aspirations but tangible outcomes. On a personal level, I am continually seeking ways to reduce my own environmental impact and to inspire others to do the same. By fostering collaboration and innovation, I believe we can set a standard that other organizations in the football community will aspire to follow.
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and it is one we must all embark on together. Middlesex FA is dedicated to leading this journey with integrity, passion, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the beautiful game for future generations. Thank you for joining us as we take these essential steps toward a more sustainable future for football in Middlesex.
A word from our Board Sustainability Champion, Liam Walshe
“It was during a recent end of season appraisal by MFA Chair, Mr John Taylor, that I raised the simple question of recycling at Rectory Park. In football, 'be careful what you wish for' and two minutes later I was given the proudly allocated the role of Sustainability Champion for the organisation!
Within the hour I was put in contact with Richard Lindley at Birmingham FA and the mission was underway. At the end of October 2024, I completed my Carbon Literacy Course and the fire was ignited even further. Looking back I have always deplored waste and personally we (along with my wife Kim) aim to recycle, repair and reuse wherever possible! My aim is simple; to raise awareness and get people to think about changing from being such a wasteful society.
I will end by repeating the one piece of advice that Richard gave me, 'take the Carbon Literacy Course'. For the price of just two evenings and equivalent of two coffees, this will change your whole outlook and help you understand what is possible regarding sustainability…”
MFA: Our Goals
This section covers all that we as a team are doing to become more sustainable across our home site of Rectory Park and in daily work programmes. Each of the goals will be tracked each quarter and reviewed by our Board members to ensure progress is being made throughout the year.
Save Today, Play Tomorrow is training for those working or volunteering in the sports sector, offering the learners the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of the role sport can play in tackling the climate crisis.
Find out more HERE
Regular checks to be carried out to ensure taps and showers are working efficiently with no leaks.
To ensure our system is functional and to learn about the financial rewards.
Endeavour to increase usage and to investigate if 'sponsorship' of the individual charging point is possible.
We must maintain the planting we have and look to increase with bee/wildlife friendly planting to aid the local environment.
To support charities from Cool Earth to the Wildlife Trust in their efforts to clean provide a better future.
To help people understand that we need to work together to provide a plan for future generations.
To take responsibility and give products a second life, don't leave recycling to others.
We are aware that the pitches are 3G and use rubber crumb. However, we are aiming to take measures to contain its spread into the environment.
Your Club Commitments
We want our clubs to join us on this journey to make the game more sustainable but also contribute to the good of the planet in our role as grassroots volunteers. Each of these steps can help towards these goals and can be used as a signpost for progressing step by step.
Carbon Literacy Course - Save Today, Play Tomorrow is training for those working or volunteering in the sports sector, offering the learners the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of the role sport can play in tackling the climate crisis.
Find out more HERE
The Greener Game - In partnership with E.ON Next, supporting grassroots football clubs to become more sustainable while reducing energy costs.
Find out more HERE
Look towards re-use with the club i.e. youth teams, donate to the Salvation Army - and be mindful that some countries don't have the same recycling ethos that is beneficial to sustainability.
Self assess your club's recycling policy and practice and ask, can we do better?
Read this Stop Food Waste Blog HERE
Top ten water saving tips - HERE
Begin raising the sustainability profile and how it affects football at grassroots level, climate change, car sharing on match days, diet to name a few.
Energy efficient lighting can provide many benefits for your venue.
Find out more HERE
Your Own Commitments
As well as contributing to the beautiful game that we all love, there are some easy steps that each of us can make in our life outside of football. These links click through to a wealth of additional information that can help us make small changes but with big impacts.
Save Today, Play Tomorrow is training for those working or volunteering in the sports sector, offering the learners the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of the role sport can play in tackling the climate crisis.
Find out more HERE
What can you start recycling? - Find out how to correctly dispose of your household items HERE
Read this Stop Food Waste Blog HERE
Support your local food bank by donating food and other essentials. Find out more HERE
Did you realise your old sofa could help end homelessness?
Find out more HERE