In early 2019, the seeds of Pledgeball were sown from a place of fear, grief, and, ultimately, determination.
Do you ever feel that sense of being overwhelmed, fearful, and wanting to turn off? Having taught climate change for years as a science teacher, I had never truly realised its current and imminent impact – not just by causing more extreme weather (remember those days when it was too hot to function properly or to walk outside – hard to imagine right not in the UK), but also on the threat it causes to our already precarious food supplies and the part it will play in increasing conflict and mass migration. For a while, I grappled with what many face today—climate paralysis. I felt powerless in the face of climate change, unsure how to make a meaningful impact. This personal struggle sparked a question that would ignite a movement: “What can we do?”
Armed with a background in science and a deep-seated belief in the power of collective action, I embarked on a journey of research and inspiration. Sources like Project Drawdown became guiding lights, offering insights into practical steps to combat climate change. Around this pivotal time, my sister’s principled wedding and my father’s impassioned toast to principles further fueled my drive to act on my beliefs.
As a former secondary school science teacher and a current member of Bristol’s Misfits of the Bristol Women’s Casual League, I began sharing “sustainability stats” with my teammates. Despite initial apprehensions about how they might react, the response was overwhelmingly positive – so positive that together, we organised the inaugural Pledgeball tournament in September 2019.
The tournament was simple yet revolutionary: teams competed both on the pitch and off through pledges made to reduce their carbon footprints. The pledges ranged widely from switching to sustainable menstrual products to embracing eco-friendly nappies, each with its estimated carbon impact calculated. This innovative approach resonated with participants and set the stage for Pledgeball’s mission to empower individuals to effect tangible change.
The trophies were crafted from fallen tree branches found in a London park. The event also highlighted the issue of food waste by providing meals collected via food waste apps.
With fantastic support from family and friends and strategic connections facilitated by Claire Poole at the Sport+ Positive Summit, Pledgeball began to gain momentum. Initial meetings with Bristol City Council and Bristol City F.C. in late 2019 showed promise, with enthusiastic receptions from local authorities and community leaders.
However, like many endeavours, our progress faced an unexpected hurdle with the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020. Despite these challenges, we adapted and persevered. Partnering with Brighton’s Whitehawk F.C. and leveraging city council support, particularly from Councilman Steve Davis, provided a pivotal breakthrough. Through these connections, I met Kevin Miller and Dr. Mark Doidge, whose expertise in football fandom and community engagement further enriched Pledgeball’s approach.
Central to Pledgeball’s philosophy is trust in people’s integrity. We chose not to mandate verification of pledges, believing that people rise to the expectations set for them. Instead, our focus has been on fostering lasting mindset shifts that drive sustainable behaviours—as illustrated by Jenny Amann’s impactful research on Whitehawk F.C. fans’ willingness to embrace environmental changes.
Today, Pledgeball is a beacon of hope and action within the football community. With over 10+ clubs signed onto our Sustainable Travel Charter and working with the growing movement of fans, mainly through our partnership with the Football Supporters Association and governing bodies like UEFA, LTA, and the International Biathlon Union, our impact continues to grow.
As we reflect on our journey from humble beginnings to influencing policy discussions on a global scale, one thing remains clear: Pledgeball is not just about football; it’s about leveraging the sport’s immense reach to drive positive change. With each pledge made and each partnership forged, we are shaping a future where sustainability and sports intertwine seamlessly.
Looking ahead, our commitment to community-driven solutions remains steadfast. Together with supporters like you, we are rewriting the playbook on how sports can lead the charge towards a more sustainable future. Join us in this journey of impact and empowerment—because together, we can make a difference that transcends the boundaries of the pitch.
