The Final Conference of the European project PATHWAY – Paving pATHs toWards footbAll’s sustainabilitY was held with great success, marking the official completion of the project.

The conference was organized by the Cyprus Football Association (the project coordinator) in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance in Nicosia and online participation by representatives of organizations from Cyprus and abroad. The event was attended by representatives of the soccer ecosystem, policymakers, soccer organizations, clubs, academies, and professionals active in the fields of environmental and social sustainability in sports.

The PATHWAY project was implemented by a transnational consortium of five organizations from Cyprus, Greece, and Bulgaria, coordinated by the Cyprus Football Association. The consortium included the Cyprus Football Association, Anorthosis Famagusta, Pan-Serraikos FC, Foul Training, and Municipal Football Club Academic Svishtov. 

The project was funded by the European Union as part of the program “Sport for People and Planet – a new approach to sustainability through sport in Europe,” with the aim of leveraging sports as a means of promoting environmental and social sustainability.

During the Final Conference, the rationale, objectives, and structure of the project were presented, along with the key results that emerged from its implementation. Particular emphasis was placed on the challenges facing soccer in relation to sustainability, both at the environmental and social levels, as well as on the role that soccer organizations, clubs, academies, fans, and national federations can play in promoting positive change.

A central focus of the conference was the presentation of tools developed as part of the project, designed to support soccer organizations, clubs, academies, and other stakeholders in assessing their current situation, identifying areas for improvement, and planning practical steps toward more sustainable operations.

As part of the project, issues such as sustainable mobility, reducing single-use plastics, waste management, accessibility, inclusion, equality, combating racism and violence, and promoting social responsibility in soccer. During the project’s implementation, activities were carried out to assess the current situation, collect best practices, develop approaches, conduct pilot projects, and raise awareness and disseminate information.

Transnational cooperation was a key element in the project’s success. The participation of organizations from different levels of soccer contributed to the exchange of experiences, the transfer of know-how, and the development of solutions that can be adapted to the diverse realities of European soccer.

With the successful conclusion of the Final Conference and the PATHWAY project, the need for—and the potential of—soccer to serve as a platform for positive change was reaffirmed, contributing to a more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive sports environment.

About the PATHWAY project

PATHWAY – Paving pATHs toWards footbAll’s sustainabilitY is a European project implemented with funding from the European Union, under the call “Sport for People and Planet – a new approach to sustainability through sport in Europe.” The project focused on linking soccer with environmental and social sustainability through collaboration among organizations from Cyprus, Greece, and Bulgaria, with the Cyprus Football Association serving as coordinator.

Through the development of tools, the pilot implementation of practical solutions, and raising awareness among stakeholders, PATHWAY sought to support soccer in its transition toward more responsible, sustainable, and inclusive practices.

Project partners:

· Cyprus Football Federation (CY)

· Anorthosis Famagusta (CY)

· Panserraikos FC (GR)

· Foul Training (GR)

· Municipal Football Club Academic Svishtov (BG)

For more information:
https://pathwaychecker.eu/

“Co-funded by the European Union.

The views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”