4 Ways Fans Can Go Green For UEFA Women’s EURO 2025
There are just 50 days until the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 soccer tournament kicks off in Switzerland. Whether you are one of the 550,000 people who have bought tickets to attend a match or are hosting a watch party at home, there are easy ways to reduce your environmental footprint, from how you travel, to what you eat and reducing waste.
This year’s tournament is expected to break records for attendance and viewership, riding the momentum of women’s sports’ rapid global growth. Larger numbers mean a bigger environmental footprint, and organisers will publish data on this 100 days after the final match.
UEFA have highlighted environmental sustainability as a key factor to the tournament’s success. Many players agree, as we have seen them take accountability for their carbon footprint to tournaments, push back on heavy-carbon sponsors and research the impacts of climate change on the women’s game. Alongside organisers and athletes, fans also have the opportunity to step up to help ensure that the beautiful game doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.
1. Travel Smart with Free Public Transport
Fan travel is frequently cited as the largest environmental impact from a soccer match, so working to reduce these emissions is vital. On Women’s EURO 2025 match days, tournament tickets will be valid for free second-class public-transport travel between any Swiss locality and the venue.
The organiser’s goal is to sell all 673,000 available tickets and surpass the average match attendance of Women’s EURO 2022. So far, 550,000 match tickets have been sold, to people from over 100 countries, with tournament organisers expecting around two-thirds of attendees to be Swiss. Matches are taking place in eight venues across Switzerland, from St Gallen to Geneva, leading to a lot of carbon emitted from international and national travel.
Spectators heading to matches can take advantage of the inclusion of public transport in their ticket and avoid the stress of driving and parking, save money and get into the festival atmosphere with other travelling fans. Accommodation impacts the size of travel carbon footprint, so fans can look out for green credentials or certifications when booking their hotel to reduce this too.
Tip: Plan your route in advance to see which trains, trams, and buses you need to reach the stadium or fan zone.
2. Reduce Waste, Recycle And Go Vegetarian Or Vegan
Tournament organisers are prioritising the “4Rs” of reduce, reuse, recycle and recover when it comes to products and packaging at all games. It is up to the stadiums to ensure they reduce waste and recover materials and leftover food, but fans can help by properly disposing of waste at venues as part of recycling efforts. Many stadiums will be equipped with clearly marked recycling stations and sustainability reminders.
Availability of vegan and vegetarian food options and products are part of UEFA’s sustainability strategy for Women’s EURO 2025, so look out for delicious food options that will slash your carbon footprint at concessions during games.
Tip: Go for veggie food options, choose reusable cups and follow recycling rules at matches
3. Connect With Other Fans On Sustainability
The first dedicated “Fan Forum” for supporter representatives from all 16 participating nations was hosted recently, to help supporters’ groups plan ahead. Topics included fan walks to stadiums, learning about fan zones and sustainability issues.
“Having pre-tournament dialogue with the fans is essential for us, as this tournament is a celebration with and for the fans in a welcoming environment,” said Doris Keller, UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament director during the event. 24 green volunteers will also be deployed at tournament venues to assist fans.
Tip: Contact your local supporter group to find out more about planned fan walks or to learn about sustainability efforts
4. Stay At Home And Host A Watch Party
Global broadcast coverage, and streaming on UEFA.tv are expected to deliver record media reach for Women’s EURO 2025. Fans can watch for free, as part of the expected globally audience of 500 million viewers, in the comfort of their own home, and host a watch party with friends and family.
To make your watch party sustainable, avoid single use or plastic decorations that you will throw away after the tournament and ask friends to wear soccer shirts that they already own. From vegan tacos, loaded potato skins and plant-based pizzas, making lower-carbon delicious party-style food has never been easier. Remember to have some freezer space at the ready to save any leftovers and reduce food waste.
Tip: Get into the spirit of the tournament by asking friends to bring a plant-based food option from the countries competing in the match you’re watching
Fans have a unique opportunity to champion sustainability alongside their team at this year’s UEFA Women’s EURO. Whether attending matches or hosting watch parties at home, supporters can make eco-friendly choices that align with the tournament’s sustainability objectives. By embracing sustainable travel options, reducing waste, and engaging in community initiatives, fans can contribute to a tournament legacy that celebrates both the spirit of football and the health of our planet.
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