Football v Litter

As the 2022 Football World Cup kicks off in earnest, Doncaster Council, with the help of local football clubs, have decided that now is the perfect time to tackle litter at grassroots football games.

The new partnership will aim to raise awareness of environmental issues and also reduce litter at matches played in public parks and open spaces.

As part of the initiative, players and spectators are asked to leave the nearby pitches as they found them by taking litter with them after matches. It is hoped that this will improve the local environment and to educate players to be more aware of the environment and promote recycling.

Players from Hall Cross Rats FC v Innings AFC – who participate in the Doncaster Rovers Sunday Football League – were integral to the launch of the project, at Town Fields on Sunday. As well as taking part in an organised litter pick, the teams were encouraged to use reusable water bottles and were presented with a cool box per team to store their well-earned drinks.

Cllr Joe Blackham, portfolio holder for enforcement at Doncaster Council, said, "It's great to see clubs taking action in this way. Doncaster Council look after and maintain 96 pitches across Doncaster which are not only used by clubs but enjoyed by residents as part of our parks and open spaces. On occasions, litter such as drinks bottles can be left behind so we want everyone to be on the same team when it comes to spreading the message about picking up litter and recycling it where possible. We are working with the local FA and participating teams to make it a part of their routine."

Brian Coddington, Interim Chair at the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, said: "We're delighted to team up with Doncaster Council, Doncaster Sunday League and other stakeholders to launch a litter prevention initiative in Doncaster. Local grassroots football teams and match officials can play a big part in reducing litter in their local communities. Small actions such as performing litter picks after games or reporting any hazard or defect relating to council pitches to your local authority can make a significant impact."

If your football team would like to hire litter picking equipment such as pickers and bin bags free of charge, then please get in touch with the Council - they will also dispose of all the waste you collect. Just email Scene.Street@doncaster.gov.uk if you want to help.

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