BILLY BREMNER MEMORIAL JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN
Date: 29th August 2025
Scottish Football Fans Demand Sustainable Action
Over 75% of Scottish football fans are concerned about climate change and want clubs and leagues to act, but practical, affordable and convenient transport and matchday solutions and incentives are key to drive behavioural change.
A recent SFSA survey conducted alongside the Scottish Government’s Domestic Climate Change Division and The Greener Travel Company has shown Scottish football fans’ desire to see change within our game to make it more sustainable.
The survey collected insights from 382 supporters representing clubs across the Scottish football pyramid. Although the response rate was lower than anticipated, this is understandable given the timing of the survey during a 4-week period with limited football activity, when many fans were focused on other priorities. We also approached several clubs to support the distribution of the survey, but disappointingly received limited assistance in promoting this work, which ultimately aims to benefit all stakeholders within Scottish football.
Scottish football fans are clear: sustainability matters. Fans believe the game should take meaningful action on climate issues, but confidence in football’s approach to sustainability remains low across all levels of the game.
A significant barrier to change lies in travel. Over half (56%) of participating fans drive to matches due to convenience, cost, and impractical public transport options, with many finding midweek fixtures challenging for sustainable travel. Some fans do use public transport to avoid parking or allow themselves a drink, but the barriers remain too high.
For more information on The Greener Travel Company, follow this link: http://www.greenertravel.co.uk/?ref=3
Fans want clubs to support better public transport options, reduce matchday waste with reusable cups, and provide incentives for fans making sustainable choices, such as discounts or free food or drinks. There is also a desire to see kits made from recycled materials and changed less frequently.
Meanwhile, calls to governing bodies include scheduling fixtures around public transport, considering travel distances when allocating venues for finals, and setting minimum sustainability standards for clubs to follow.
While 37% of fans are willing to pay to offset travel emissions, the majority are not, showing the need for incentives and structural changes over individual charges.
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The message is clear:
Scottish football fans want clubs and leagues to take meaningful, practical, and affordable actions on sustainability while aligning these with their matchday experience and commitment to the game. The evidence is there, showcasing how to get fans on board, so can our clubs and the associations that control our game do more?
Scott Masson, SFSA Project Manager
21st July 2025
Posted in: Latest News
Tags: greener travel company, Sustainability, the environment