In the run-up to World Earth Day, Southampton FC has joined forces with football-themed climate action brand Planet League, to launch an interactive campaign encouraging fans to go green and compete against each other to make the most positive contribution to the environment.

Supported by the club's official Energy and Utility partner, Utilita, the tournament will see fans participate in up to 100 green challenges to score 'goals' and move up the league table in the Saints Planet League Cup. The challenges, designed to highlight how the smallest of changes can positively impact the planet, will include travelling by public transport, turning the thermostat down, eating a meat-free meal, taking shorter showers, and donating clothes to charity.

Fans will upload a photo to prove they’ve taken action, which will be checked by the league's “VAR” team. Once verified, the goals are awarded and the league table is updated to reflect each fan’s efforts. The live league table will allow fans to view who they’re competing against in real-time, encouraging them to complete further challenges to improve their ranking.

At the end of the competition, the fans who make the most positive changes will win a range of money-can’t-buy experiences, including a meet-and-greet experience at Staplewood Training Ground, hospitality for a Southampton FC match, and a signed shirt. All competitors will also be entered into a prize draw to win a Saints Store

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Another step forward for The Halo Effect

Southampton FC's involvement in the Planet League Cup is part of their environmental responsibility pledge within The Halo Effect, which is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the club, their fans, and their community. The competition is also being supported by Saints Foundation and Hampshire FA, who are directly engaging their local communities in the competition.

Southampton Football Club’s Operations and Sustainability Manager, Caroline Carlin, said: “Partnering with Planet League is an important part of our sustainability strategy - The Halo Effect - which aims to ensure our activities on and off pitch incite positive change. Previously, we’ve supported the Planet League Cup by encouraging fans to take part to improve the club’s rankings, and now we're delighted to launch an official partnership with them to launch our very own Saints Planet League Cup, supported by Utilita.

“Making a positive environmental impact goes far beyond the pitch, but even the smallest changes can make a huge difference. By enabling fans to see the actual impact of their actions, including money saved and CO2 reduction, we hope the friendly competition will highlight this, encouraging fans to consider the environment and continue making small, meaningful changes to help our planet."

Utilita’s Head of Sustainability, Archie Lasseter said: “This really is an exciting collaboration with Planet League & Southampton FC, who, much like our High 5 and Football Rebooted campaigns, are encouraging behavioural changes for the better of the planet.

“I’ll definitely be getting involved, and I’m sure the competition will entice lots of fans to do the same!”