Climate change: CUP26 tournament launched with support of 49 Premier League and EFL clubs

The campaign is encouraging supporters to carry out sustainable activities in a tournament against fans of other clubs; Sky are also partnering with Tottenham to host the world's first net-zero carbon football game against Chelsea on September 19

Tuesday 7 September 2021 21:52, UK

The biggest-ever football campaign on combating climate change, with 49 club community organisations involved, has begun with the launching of the CUP26 tournament.

Planet Super League and Count Us In have joined forces to create the tournament which is aimed at raising awareness of the role football can play in becoming more sustainable and protecting the environment.

Fan action on climate will determine the tournament winner and supporters can sign up at CUP26.co.uk and score goals for their club by competing in environmentally-friendly activities. Clubs will play weekly fixtures against their rivals, and the club whose supporters score the most goals wins the match.

There are 100 goalscoring activities on the website, including having a plant-based meal, cycling and walking to work and school, and the Lucas Moura-supported 'No Moura Landfill', where fans are invited to show off their football skills while recycling. The tournament trophy will be awarded to the tournament winner in the first week of COP26.

It comes with seven weeks to go until COP26, the UN climate change conference which will be hosted by the United Kingdom in Glasgow.

Sky are also partnering with Tottenham to host the world's first net-zero carbon football game at an elite level when Spurs face Chelsea on September 19.

Tom Gribbin, CEO of Planet Super League said: "CUP26 is our largest tournament, with over half the professional football clubs in the UK taking part.

"Fans of all ages can represent their club, do their bit for the planet, and help compete for the trophy. We're delighted to be working alongside Count Us In and we look forward to sharing exciting moments and surprises as the season unfolds."

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Former Tottenham captain Ledley King says fewer Spurs fans are driving to games following the announcement Sky has partnered with Tottenham to host the world's first net zero carbon football game at an elite level when they face Chelsea

Allegra Stratton, the Prime Minister's spokesperson to COP26 said: "The COP26 climate summit is our best chance for world leaders to come together to fight climate change and protect our planet for future generations.

"Children, schools, and communities are already playing their part by going one step greener - finding ingenious ways to bring down their own carbon emissions - and now their steps will give their beloved football club the chance to win the CUP26 tournament.

"I am excited to see so many top clubs joining forces to use the power of football to drive change. Every family, school and workplace across the country can take part in CUP26, for their club, their community and the planet."