Dundalk FC recently conducted a comprehensive survey among supporters to understand their views on climate change, its impacts on the community, and how the club can play a role in driving sustainable action.
The results for the Climate Captains survey that Dundalk FC took part in, in partnership with the European Football for Development Network (EFDN), have now been analysed. The fan survey was the first stage of the campaign and we have now qualified for the second phase of this project, the round table discussions.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and congratulations to Chris McKinnon who won the Dundalk FC signed jersey, Kayleigh Sullivan who won the Dundalk FC signed boots and Janet Mooney who won the Dundalk Credit Union hamper (photos below).
The project intends to ‘utilise football to empower local actors to contribute to issues around sustainability, environmental protection, and climate change, in turn creating greater awareness’.
We hope that the information we obtain from the next stage can help us build a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly community by developing a clear climate justice and sustainability action plan for our club.
Demographics: Dundalk FC has the opportunity to further engage with its female fan base in future sustainability initiatives as the uptake for this survey was majority male.
Connection: Dundalk FC fans show a solid connection to both the club and wider community and we need to harness this connection more. Further engagement efforts and collaborative activities could bridge the gaps that were found which would deepen the relationship between fans, the club and the local community.
Prescription of Club Activities: Dundalk FC fans show a strong recognition of the club’s involvement in social initiatives, with 78.9% of fans either agreeing (52.85%) or completely agreeing (25.74%) that the club is actively involved in good social causes. This is further supported by the overwhelming 97.7% who believe it is important for the club to engage in social initiatives, with 65.38% completely agreeing of its importance. This shows that what we have been doing in the community this season is clearly working from this survey.
Challenges in relation to paying bills: Food security is an issue for some of our fans and that this could be an opportunity for the club to collaborate with an organisation in the town to help improve access to affordable, nutritious food. This was one of the EFDN suggestions, see the end slide.
Transport: Given that 28% of respondents walk a couple of times a week, there may be opportunities for Dundalk FC to encourage active and sustainable travel options through cycling facilities and bike education programs. This could create a more balanced transport mix among fans, helping to reduce the reliance on private vehicles.
Local Environmental Concerns: Water quality concerns was the biggest thing that came from this.
Access to Solutions: There is a lot of uncertainty around what solutions are available to homeowners in relation to retrofitting etc.. Improved information and education, and workshops with Dundalk Credit Union Sustainability Team, could be a good project.
The Path Forward: Dundalk FC fans have a strong consensus that we all need to make climate solutions more affordable. Again, this is a project that we could work with Dundalk Credit Union. Fans also agree that we must make a stand on climate change as a club the same way as we deal with other social issues like racism, indicating room for more visible advocacy from football figures within our club. 58.37% want to be involved or at least be kept up-to-date with the club sustainability efforts and would like to be involved in any climate-driven initiatives.
EFDN Solutions: Only Suggestions to the Club
Solution 1: Community energy efficiency workshops: see the end slide for all information. This could be easily achieved alongside Dundalk Credit Union.
Solution 2: Community food sharing initiative: see the end slide. Some of the ideas around this are doable.
The EFDN have given us two suggestions to work on at the round table discussion. However, we want our fans to have a say. If you are interested in being part of a group of 30 fans who will help build a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly community by developing a clear climate justice and sustainability action plan for our club then please send an e-mail to aoife.burns@dundalkfc.com.
PRIZE WINNERS
