Shefford Sports Club demonstrates the community power of Greener Game savings
With monthly electricity costs reaching more than £2,500, the club knew that without change, everyday operations and the community programmes they support could be at risk.
When Shefford Sports Club joined the Greener Game pilot programme, they were facing a challenge shared by many grassroots clubs across the country: rising energy bills putting pressure on budgets.
Greener Game, a joint initiative between England Football and E.ON Next offered a new path forward. Following a simple application and a hands-on audit process, Shefford received expert advice, a full site survey and a tailored package of energy-efficiency solutions. Solar panels, battery storage and guidance on choosing the right tariff were all part of their final installation plan.
But while the technology made an immediate difference to the club’s energy consumption, the real impact has been felt far beyond the roof of the clubhouse.
Savings that go straight back into grassroots football
Within months of the upgrade, Shefford Town FC began generating its own clean electricity, even on cloudy days, and saw its bills drop by £700–£800 a month. Over nine months, the club saved almost £14,000 on electricity alone.
Crucially, these savings didn’t just protect the club from rising energy prices; they freed up funds that could be reinvested directly back into facilities, players and the local community.
The club used part of the savings to upgrade changing rooms, refresh bar settings and improve kitchen equipment.
These changes may sound small, but their impact has been transformative. With a more efficient kitchen and better facilities, Shefford can now open for longer, offer more food and drink options, and welcome more visitors through the door, which is increasing both the revenue and community use of the space.
Re-energising a community hub
Shefford Sports Club has always been more than a football club — it’s a gathering place, a support network and a social anchor for the town. The improvements delivered through Greener Game have helped strengthen that role.
Longer opening hours mean the clubhouse is now used more regularly by families, local groups and supporters. Better facilities make matchdays more enjoyable for players and volunteers. And with operating costs reduced, the club has greater confidence in its future and more flexibility to support youth teams and community events.
As Facility Manager Steve Starling puts it, the biggest change has been the renewed sense of togetherness: “We are a community club. The Greener Game has brought the whole community feel back to the club.”
A blueprint for clubs across the country
Shefford’s story embodies what the Greener Game aims to achieve: giving grassroots clubs the tools and support they need to reduce energy use, lower running costs and reinvest savings into what truly matters. Their people, participation and community.
The process is intentionally simple. Clubs apply online, receive a free energy audit and are guided step by step through potential upgrades. For Shefford Sports Club, that support made all the difference: “Easy to engage, great support and it solved our problems,” Steve says. His message to other clubs is clear: getting involved in the Greener Game might be the first step toward unlocking funding, cutting costs and improving your community offer.
Join the Greener Game
Clubs can apply until 31st January 2026 for a free energy audit to understand where they could save money and energy and how those savings could be reinvested back into their own communities.