Powering grassroots football: E.ON Next hosts solar-powered football tournament on the River Thames

MPs and grassroots players have gone head-to-head on a floating football pitch outside the Houses of Parliament today. The event, conceptualised and delivered by Elvis and powered by renewable energy, will showcase the success of the Greener Game – a joint initiative between The FA and E.ON Next, which is helping to decarbonise grassroots clubs and tackle energy affordability.

Launched in 2024, the Greener Game is a free resource that helps grassroots clubs take more control of the energy they use through expert guidance, practical support, energy audits and upgrades to their facilities. As a result of the installation of solar panels, batteries, LED lighting and insulation through the scheme, some clubs have reduced their spend on energy by 25%.  

Shefford Town FC, which received an audit, energy advice and a tailored package of energy solutions including solar panels, battery storage and tariff guidance, reported its energy bills dropped £700-£800 a month. Some of the freed-up funds were reinvested into better kitchen facilities which increased revenue and boosted community use of the space by allowing the club to stay open for longer, welcome more visitors and offer more refreshment options.

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said: “The FA and E.ON Next partnership - the Greener Game - is definitely proving its worth. Clubs across England are taking control of their energy use, cutting bills, unlocking the value of flexibility and putting the savings back into what matters: getting more people through the doors and out on to the pitch.

"For today’s event there’s an iconic setting and a bit of fun, but a serious point underneath. Clean, flexible power isn't a someday story. The solutions and ways to save money are here and they're here now. Solutions that put customers in control of how they power their homes and businesses. That's how we make new energy work for everyone."

On the floating pitch, moored at Lambeth Pier opposite the Houses of Parliament, will be teams from Crawley FC and Rugby Borough FC, which have been drawn from the nearly 400 clubs registered with the Greener Game.

James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “Our Greener Game programme continues to support sustainable growth in grassroots football across England, with over 400 clubs now making energy savings and efficiencies which free up funds to put back into the game. We encourage more clubs to register their interest in a free energy audit and explore some of the solutions available to help our network of thriving community clubs save money and energy.”

Millie Bright, England football legend, said: “Grassroots football clubs are places that build young players, surrounding them with a community that supports their journey through football. Helping community clubs and the volunteers who run them find money and energy saving solutions has never been more important. The Greener Game initiative is giving so much back to grassroots football to make sure we can keep growing the game in a sustainable way.

“Today has been a brilliant showcase of the amazing work being undertaken by The FA and E.ON Next – and, to top it off, we all had the opportunity to kick a ball on a floating football pitch in front of the Houses of Parliament!”  

Stuart Bishop, Vice Chair and General Secretary at Rugby Borough Junior FC, said: “All of our Rugby Borough Football Club players are both proud and privileged to be part of the Greener Game initiative. Under the programme, we recently had solar panels installed on our clubhouse, which has meant we can save on energy bills and use those savings to invest in the future of our club. This will benefit current and future generations of our grassroots community, while limiting the clubs' impact on the environment. 

"When we heard of the opportunity to play on a pitch floating on the River Thames to promote the programme, we simply couldn't say no. Being part of today's Greener Game football tournament has been a wonderful opportunity for our coaches and players, and will give us fond memories to cherish forever".

Grassroots clubs can apply for a free energy audit through the Greener Game programme until 31 July. To find out more and apply, visit www.englandfootball.com/participate/leagues-and-clubs/greener-game