In a major move that underscores the sporting world's growing commitment to eco-friendliness, France's football federation has announced a monumental shift in the way its teams travel.
All Aboard the Green Express
Football teams in France will now travel by train for matches within a three-hour radius, effectively eschewing the traditionally preferred air travel mode.
This shift aims to substantially reduce the sport's carbon footprint.
While the policy already applies to the women’s team and the under-21s, logistical challenges abound for the men's senior team, especially when transporting global icons like Kylian Mbappé. "There are questions of security and comfort for other passengers," notes FFF president Philippe Diallo, highlighting the potential pandemonium that could ensue at train stations due to large crowds. Nonetheless, the federation remains determined, with plans underway to ensure a seamless transition to this more sustainable mode of transport by March.
France's Eco-Leadership
France has been a forerunner in advocating for greener transport, having previously banned short-haul domestic flights that can be covered within two and a half hours by rail. However, this regulation does not extend to private planes, a loophole Paris-Saint-Germain found themselves exploiting with their swift 380km flight from Paris to Nantes last year.
This new shift in football travel aligns perfectly with France's broader eco-friendly transport regulations, reaffirming the nation's commitment to curbing carbon emissions and showcasing a melding of sports and sustainability.
England Jumps on the Eco-Train
Across the English Channel, sustainability is the word on every football club's lips. In a bid to reduce carbon emissions, the Football Supporter's Association (FSA) and various clubs from the English Football League (EFL) have initiated the Sustainable Travel Charter. Clubs like Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers, and Millwall have already enlisted.
A recent BBC investigation shed light on the extensive use of short-haul flights by Premier League teams, with some journeys as short as 27 minutes. Katie Cross, CEO of Pledgeball, asserts, “Football clubs’ reliance on short-haul flights is a thorn in their wider sustainability strategies.” The charter aims to address this issue and champion greener travel methods.
Support from the Railways
Great Western Railway (GWR) is all set to facilitate the increased number of teams opting for train travel. GWR Exclusive Sales Manager, Sarah Hind, emphasizes the company's commitment to assisting football clubs in their eco-journey, proudly pointing out that earlier in the year, rock band The Foo Fighters chose GWR for their Glastonbury Festival transit, proving that stars from diverse fields can indeed set a green example.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, every step towards sustainability counts. Football, a sport that enjoys unparalleled global adoration, finds itself in a unique position to make a significant impact. With France and England leading the charge, one can only hope that other nations will soon catch up, making environmentally conscious decisions the goal worldwide.
©GlobalCO2.uk
