Phoenix to play in women’s A-League’s first-ever ‘green game’ on Sunday

posted in: A-League (Women), News |

The Wellington Phoenix will take part in the A-League’s first-ever fixture aimed at promoting awareness of climate change and its relationship with football.

Sunday’s women’s A-League match between Canberra United and the Phoenix at McKellar Park (4pm NZT) will be the first of two ‘Green Games’ promoted by the A-Leagues in collaboration with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).

The second is the April 13 men’s A-League game between Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets at Suncorp Stadium.

The aim of the ‘Green Games’ is to “focus on reducing carbon pollution, offsetting unavoidable emissions, introducing new sustainable practices at clubs, and will raise awareness about the relationship between climate change and football.”

For the women’s game, Canberra players and staff will be provided with free electric cars by Uber.

Home teams Canberra and Brisbane will promote sustainable practices, including reducing single-use plastics while providing more sustainable football options for fans.

A-League owners Australian Professional Leagues (APL) will offset the emissions from flights used by the Wellington Phoenix and Newcastle Jets for their games.

Canberra defender and Young Matilda Emma Ilijoski (21) said: “A huge amount of work has been put into these games behind the scenes by the players across the past 12 months, and while it represents a small step, it’s a step in the right direction toward more sustainable practices in the A-Leagues.

“Our hope is that there will be a platform for other clubs across the A-Leagues and our national teams to replicate. Football will need to move towards a carbon neutral future, so the players are doing their bit to start that process.

“As climate change becomes more and more of an issue for players, it’s an opportunity for us to use our platform and showcase some of the changes we can make to reduce our impact.”

Photo credit: Natural Light Photography Company.