Irena Smetanová is CSR Manager at AC Sparta Prague and Chairwoman of the AC Sparta Prague Foundation. She joined the club in 2015 and has focused full-time on CSR and sustainability since 2018. In her role, she oversees AC Sparta Prague’s social and environmental impact agenda, connecting social responsibility, accessibility, community engagement and sustainability with the club’s day-to-day operations and fan experience. In addition to her role at Sparta, she serves as Chairwoman of the ESG Committee of the Czech League Football Association (LFA) and is a member of the CSR Committee of the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR).
Her work includes initiatives promoting physical and mental wellbeing, community development, anti-discrimination, support for disadvantaged groups, and the club’s charitable activities through the AC Sparta Prague Foundation. She is also responsible for embedding sustainability principles into the club’s day-to-day operations.
A significant part of her work focuses on improving accessibility for supporters with disabilities. Her approach is based on finding practical solutions that expand access and equal opportunities while working within the constraints of an outdated stadium infrastructure and strict safety requirements. AC Sparta Prague’s work in this area received international recognition when the club was awarded the ECA (now EFC) Award for Away Fan Experience following a nomination by Liverpool FC, recognising the club’s efforts to provide an accessible and welcoming matchday experience for visiting supporters during Liverpool’s UEFA Europa League fixture in Prague.
