The Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation (IFF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, organised a plastic-free football festival in May 2023 at the Centenary Stadium. The event aimed to promote the UEFA U19 European Championship Competition, held in Malta in July 2023, while encouraging sustainability and reducing plastic use through football. Around 500 children from eight schools participated in the festival, which was designed to be both educational and fun.
Objectives:
- Provide an educational experience through football.
- Promote sustainability and environmental consciousness.
- Reduce plastic use and encourage eco-friendly practices.
- Offer a fun and engaging experience for participating children.
- Generate excitement and awareness for the UEFA U19 European Championship.
Description and Implementation: The festival saw participation from eight schools, ensuring a broad community reach. To promote the UEFA U19 European Championship, each player received a football kit representing one of the tournament’s participating countries, creating a direct connection to the event.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, recyclable water bottles were distributed to all players and their classmates, with a water dispenser available to minimise single-use plastic consumption. Additionally, the festival included an educational component, giving children the opportunity to visit the Malta FA’s Museum of Football, enriching their understanding of the sport.
Impact & Results:
- Community Engagement – The festival successfully involved eight schools and approximately 500 children, ensuring a wide reach and fostering a sense of community involvement in sustainability and football.
- Promotion of UEFA U19 Championship – By providing players with kits representing tournament countries, the festival created direct engagement with the UEFA U19 European Championship, generating excitement and awareness ahead of the event.
- Environmental Impact – The initiative actively reduced plastic waste by distributing recyclable water bottles and providing a water dispenser, promoting eco-friendly habits among young participants.
- Educational Value – Children gained valuable knowledge on sustainability through the event’s theme and initiatives, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility in sports. Additionally, the visit to the Malta FA’s Museum of Football enriched their understanding of football’s history and significance.
- Encouraging Behavioural Change – By integrating sustainability into a fun and engaging football festival, the event helped instil long-term eco-friendly habits among young participants, contributing to a culture of environmental consciousness.
- Successful Integration of Sports and Sustainability – The festival effectively combined physical activity, education, and environmental awareness, demonstrating how sports can be a powerful tool for social and environmental impact.
- Positive Feedback and Future Potential – The event’s success highlights the potential for similar initiatives in the future, encouraging further collaboration between sports organisations and environmental bodies to promote sustainability in the community.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The IFF’s plastic-free football festival was a successful event that effectively combined sports, education, and environmental awareness. By engaging many school children and promoting sustainable practices, the festival contributed to both the promotion of the UEFA U19 European Championship and a broader understanding of environmental responsibility. To engage youths, the event could include competitions, workshops, digital challenges, and influencer involvement. Adding sustainable merchandise, volunteer roles, and a festival-style experience would enhance appeal, while team challenges and extended activities would encourage participation.
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