Planet Ball: Diving into training for a more sustainable futur of football Since early 2025, the Planet Ball project has entered a new phase. It now trains young people from partner clubs and federations to become agents of change, equipped to face climate challenges. We take stock of the initiative with Eva Jacomet, Head of European Affairs of the Think tank Sport and Citizenship. Popular Sport Facing the Environmental Emergency Football is a universal sport and a driver of social cohesion, but it also has a significant environmental footprint trough massive travel, water consumption, waste production, energy-intensive infrastructure… The adaptation of clubs and football federations to climate emergencies has become essential. Competitions must be reimagined, facilities designed to consume less energy, and active, responsible mobility must be encouraged both for teams and fans. In the face of these challenges, Planet Ball proposes a shift in perspective: what if football also became a tool for education in sustainable development? Photos from the first in-person training session with young people from HJK Helsinki (Finland) Empowering Young Changemakers in Sustainable Football To achieve this, a training program was developed by Futbol Mas France. It targets four groups of young people aged 15 to 25, coming from clubs such as HJK Helsinki and Kalju FC, as well as the Romanian and Turkish Football Federations. This educational journey has started with a preparatory phase combining research and data collection from the project’s young participants. This approach revealed that, while young people generally understand climate issues, they still underestimate the impact of sport on the environment, and vice versa, the impact of climate change on their sporting activities. These findings made it possible to adapt the training content to the specific priorities of each club or federation. The training consists of two phases: online learning through an interactive MOOC, followed by in-person sessions starting in June 2025. Topics covered include the links between sport and environmental preservation, focusing on themes such as sustainable mobility, recycling, emission reduction, water management, and the use of eco-responsible materials. From the Field to Festivals: Taking Concrete Action for the Planet Some young participants will go on to become Planet Ball ambassadors. They will take an active role in organizing the Green Football Festivals planned for 2026. These festivals will be sporting and civic events designed to raise public awareness of eco-friendly practices through football. Planet Ball demonstrates that sport can drive cultural change that goes beyond the boundaries of athletics. By and for youth, it aims to make football a true platform for environmental awareness and education.

Revelation of the graphic identity: Planet Ball We are proud to present Planet Ball, a project that combines sport and environmental awareness. Today we unveil its graphic identity, marked by photos of children playing football and shades of green. Visuals and colours The photos of children in action on the pitch embody energy and enthusiasm. Green, the dominant colour, evokes nature and sustainability. A touch of orange brings a touch of sunshine to the pitch, highlighting the action of the young footballers, who have their part to play in the fight against global warming and the preservation of the environment. Logo and typography The logo combines a ball and a planet, symbolising the union of sport and ecology. The typography is resolutely cheerful and legible, with a playful touch to capture attention.With this graphic identity, Planet Ball aims to inspire young people to protect our planet while playing football. We hope this project will have a positive impact in schools and communities. Discover Planet Ball’s graphic charter below