Women’s football is driving social and environmental change

From unequal pay by national federations between the men’s and women’s teams to the lack of appropriate infrastructure, women in football have been fighting on and off the pitch.

In May 2022, a historic deal was struck between U.S. Soccer and the women’s and men’s national teams that agreed to pool FIFA prize money and split it equally.

Reaching this point required years of advocacy and fighting for equal pay with the federation. Alex Morgan, the two-time World Cup winner, was the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against U.S. Soccer.

Despite advances in the United States, the 2023 World Cup highlighted how teams, such as Canada and Australia, among many others, are still fighting for equal pay and working conditions.

More recently, women’s football has been using its platform to drive climate action and advocate for change within clubs and leagues.

Hearing the voice of professional footballers on sustainability

This week saw the release of a ground-breaking report, "Women’s Football and Climate Change: The Players’ Perspective”, to explore the voice of professional women footballers on climate change.

This effort was spearheaded by Amy James-Turner, a Tottenham Hotspur defender who has also represented the English national team on four occasions.

In partnership with Planet League, they surveyed 113 professional women footballers from 36 clubs in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other leagues.

In this report, professional women footballers had the opportunity to share their concerns about climate change and their thoughts on how the football industry can and should drive change.

The need to push for meaningful climate action in football

Women footballers are very concerned about how climate change is impacting their sport and the lack of an appropriate response from their clubs and leagues. Here’s what the report found:

• Over 70% believe that playing conditions are already affected by climate change, from flooded pitches to wildfires impacting air quality

• 85% of players think that the football community can be effective in having an impact on the fight against climate change

• 75% would like help from their club in learning about environmental issues and how to talk about them

• 96% of players agree or strongly agree that they can use their influence to tackle climate change

• 82% of players agree or strongly agree that clubs should provide training to employees and players about climate change and environmental issues

• Only 19% of players positively rate the steps taken by their club or league to address environmental concerns

Sponsorship from fossil fuel companies has also divided players, with some highlighting realistic concerns about clubs’ ability to reject investment if they are to compete in the biggest leagues.

“In compiling this report, it became evident that my fellow players are not just concerned—they are ready and eager to push for meaningful action. This isn’t about external pressures; this is a call from within the game, from those who live and breathe football.”

Amy James-Turner, professional footballer at Tottenham Hotspur

Using the influence of football to address climate change

One of the key takeaways from this report is that players want to use football’s platform and their voice to create waves of climate action.

However, many don’t feel equipped to communicate effectively on environmental topics and wish for greater educational support from their clubs to use their voice for good.

Football is a massive cultural force and has the potential to influence millions to take up climate action, especially among young people.

Similarly to how Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan became leaders for equal pay in women’s football, players like Amy James-Turner are using their influence and voice to drive climate action.

“There are so many amazing role models in women’s football, players who have done so much for the game and who will always continue to demand more. I really believe that women’s football can be the leaders of change in taking climate action. I will continue to push the needle, however difficult and daunting that might be at times, in the hope that I inspire others to do the same.”

Amy James-Turner, professional footballer at Tottenham Hotspur