GOAL FC continues its commitment!

06 February 2024 Our members' tactics

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Committed to Football Ecologie France since 2023, GOAL FC is renewing its commitment with the ambition of making ecology one of the club's pillars.

The history of GOAL FC is a relatively recent and singular one: founded in 2000 under the name Beaujolais Monts d'Or, the club has undergone a series of mergers over the years, culminating in the most important in its history in 2020, when the club became GOAL FC and, in the process, France's biggest club in terms of the number of members. However, the club doesn't just think in terms of "quantity", but also "quality": in 2023, the club finished top of Poule D of National 2 and thus reached the highest level ever reached, the National. Resolutely modern, the club is committed to working on a multitude of CSR issues. Already a member in 2023, the club is renewing its membership for this year.

GOAL FC players celebrate at the Stade Ludovic Giuly after the official announcement of their promotion.
(Credit: GOAL FC)

Making the Ludovic Giuly stadium an eco-responsible model

As its name suggests, GOAL FC (Grand Ouest Association Lyonnaise) is based in a relatively large area. The club's grounds are spread over several communes: Anse, Champagne-Mont'Or, Tassin-Laune-Demiune and finally, Chasselay, where the Ludovic Giuly stadium is located. The Stade Ludovic Giuly remains the club's nerve centre, as it is here that the club's offices are located, the national team's matches are played and the majority of soccer training courses are held.

Upgrading to the National level required adjustments and compliance with standards. The club has cleverly taken advantage of this to make improvements to all its infrastructures, while maintaining its DNA as a responsible club:

Opening in January 2024 of a 100% recycled materials refreshment zone (redecorated cans for the mange-debout, refreshment area built in containers, ecocup...).
Little by little, the traditional PVC tarpaulins used to promote partners around the pitch are being replaced by recycled and recyclable capotoiles.

Sorting and recycling of caps internally for employees, while awaiting the introduction of a system for spectators
Eco-seasonal lawn care (no chemicals and mowing with a programmable electric mower)
Central aisle lit by street lamps powered by small solar panels
The refreshment offer is gradually improving, with 100% local catering for VIPs and local, organic beer (Nepo, brewed in Neuville-sur-Saône) starting in the 2022-2023 season.

Although the club does not have professional status, it would probably play in the top tier of the French 1st division if there were a ranking of the most ecologically committed clubs.

A watchword: raising awareness at every level

Following its membership of Football Ecologie France in January 2023, the club undertook actions throughout the year to raise awareness among all its stakeholders. As early as January 2023, the club organized a "Match for the environment" during the reception of Vendée Les Herbiers Football. Several hundred spectators attended the event. With a stand and a fresco, a sorting challenge at half-time for the club's young female players, and discussions with the club's partners during the post-match drinks reception, GOAL FC is raising awareness at all levels, from spectators to partners to the club's youngsters.

In March, more than 60 youngsters took part in a full-day ecological awareness program during the winter training courses. Finally, a workshop dedicated to e-learning and several Fresco workshops took place, with club partners as well as all the players in the National squad.

Day dedicated to ecology during Winter 2023 training courses

All in all, the various actions devised jointly by GOAL FC and Football Ecologie France have raised awareness among several hundred people at all levels in 2023.

For this new year, several actions are already planned for the coming months, with the same objective of raising awareness at all levels. GOAL FC will be organizing a full course on ecology to raise awareness among the club's youngsters.

Soccer Ecologie France will also continue to support the club's overall project, and will be running a #TousEcoSupporters stand at the end-of-year tournament and several Fresque Écologique du Football workshops throughout the year.