Greener, warmer, brighter: tackling the energy challenges facing community football

Grassroots clubs are where that spirit starts, creating safe spaces for people to build confidence and a sense of belonging.

But behind the scenes, many of these clubs are still facing challenges with rising energy costs. That’s why helping them make smarter energy choices has never been more important. To keep grassroots football thriving, we need to look beyond the pitch and support the infrastructure that makes it possible.

Through our partnership with England Football’s Greener Game programme, we’re helping clubs across the country tackle these challenges. So far, 107 free energy audits have given clubs the insights they need to cut costs, reduce carbon footprint and reinvest savings back into football itself.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the most common issues our audits have revealed, and how the Greener Game is making a real difference.

Inefficient heating

Heating can be one of the biggest strains on already tight club budgets. Ageing boilers, electric heaters and poorly controlled systems are common, as well as being costly to maintain and often unreliable in cold weather.

 Insulation is another key issue. Thin walls, uninsulated pipes and draughty doors let heat escape almost as quickly as it’s generated, forcing systems to work harder and increasing the likelihood of faults.

The impact goes beyond bills. Cold changing rooms can make facilities uncomfortable - and for volunteer-run clubs, dealing with heating failures also means time, stress and costs they can’t afford.

Our energy audits show that upgrading heating and improving insulation is essential to creating warm and welcoming club environments. Through the Greener Game, eligible clubs can access funding for new boilers, better insulation or modern technologies like heat pumps to help cut bills, protect the environment and keep communities thriving.

Lighting upgrades

Energy-efficient LED lighting can cut energy use while improving visibility, but the upfront cost can be a barrier. That’s why support is key, and the expert advice and insight offered by the Greener Game’s free energy audits is helping clubs access funding and guidance to make the switch.

Data and smart meters

One of the simplest yet most powerful tools grassroots clubs can use to tackle energy costs is a smart meter. They give real-time insight into energy usage, showing exactly when and where energy is being consumed. For volunteer-run clubs operating on tight budgets, this kind of visibility can be a game-changer.

While any club can request a smart meter via their energy provider, clubs signed up to the Greener Game can additionally benefit from expert guidance to help interpret the data and make informed decisions to save money, such as adjusting heating schedules or optimising fridge and freezing temperatures.

Supporting a greener future

Grassroots clubs don’t just develop young talent; they hold our communities together. But without investment and collective action, they may struggle to keep the lights on.

Through its partnership with the Greener Game, E.ON Next is just getting started. By shedding light on the key energy challenges facing grassroots clubs and spreading awareness on better energy habits, the initiative proves that even small changes can make a real difference.

Going greener doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support and guidance, grassroots clubs can ensure that the beautiful game thrives more sustainably for years to come.

Find out more about Greener Game at the England Football website here.