Shifting the perception of what is possible has been at the core of the club ’ s belief system and , in a historically ‘ meat pie and petrol ’ fuelled sport , it is remarkable that the club has introduced a vegan diet ( among players and fans ) and equipped the ground with EV charge points .
Environmental awareness is stitched into very fabric of this club , metaphorically and literally – the shirt ’ s zebra print is a omnipresent 90-minute reminder of endangered wildlife , while the striking skull and crossbones logo stitched into the reverse of the kit demonstrates FGR ’ s support for Sea Shepherd . This non-profit organisation defends marine wildlife from illegal exploitation and protects ocean habitats , while exposing atrocities in the process . Perhaps the boldest statement , however , is the club ’ s approach to kit manufacturing – FGR ’ s matchday attire is made from 50 % bamboo and signals part of a wider desire to reduce plastics usage .
Over the line These sequence of changes have not only subverted very closely-guarded ‘ traditions ’ within the football ecosystem but also engendered a very tangible sense of pride among local communities with links to the club .
But does sustainability yield success ; can a long-term green agenda thrive at a football club whose culture transcends its central reason for being ? Can there be gains from daring to put football into perspective by raising the profile of a far more profound barometer ? Well , if
sustainabilitymag . com 89