Final Conference Concludes the Green League – Sport Alliance for the Environment Project

On January 24, 2025, the Green League – Sport Alliance for the Environment project culminated in a final conference held in Brussels, bringing together over 200 participants, including EU policymakers, sports and environmental stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and athletes. Τhe event showcased the project’s outcomes, promoted a greener sports sector, and highlighted the potential of sports as a powerful tool for environmental education. The conference reaffirmed the project’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem across Europe.

The agenda featured a variety of engaging activities aimed at inspiring dialogue and action. Highlights included the presentation of the Green League Model, an innovative framework designed to integrate environmental awareness into sports. Attendees explored a dynamic exhibition of “Green Zines” inspired by nature’s four elements and enjoyed a documentary showcasing the project’s achievements and best moments. The conference concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by key EU stakeholders, symbolizing their commitment to establishing an EU Sport Alliance for the Environment.

Over the course of 30 months, the Green League project worked to build the capacity of sports professionals and organizations to champion sustainability through outdoor physical activities. Local Green Leagues, which combined sports tournaments with environmental initiatives, were successfully piloted, actively engaging sports clubs, young players, and amateur athletes. These efforts demonstrated the power of experiential learning and collaborative development in advancing environmental awareness within the sports sector.

The conference underscored the transformative potential of sports in addressing climate change and fostering sustainability. Discussions delved into how sports organizations can influence climate action policies, ranging from reducing energy use and implementing recycling programs to initiating community-driven environmental projects. Participants highlighted the importance of partnerships between sports entities and environmental organizations to develop impactful, scalable solutions that engage both institutions and fans.

By promoting sports as a vehicle for environmental education, the Green League project has set the stage for a new era of sustainable practices in the European sports sector. As the EU continues to prioritize sports as a means to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges, the lessons learned and partnerships formed through this initiative provide a valuable roadmap for the future.

The conference not only marked the conclusion of the project, but also signaled the beginning of a broader movement toward a greener, more sustainable sports ecosystem.

Learn more about the project here.