The Football Association of Ireland is delighted to launch its first ever Social and Environmental Sustainability (SES) Strategy, which sets out how environmental, social and governance-related issues are part of the wider framework that uses football to contribute to sustainable development.

Following consultation with various stakeholders, including Sport Ireland and UEFA - who developed their own 10-year Sustainability Strategy – this SES Strategy addresses many issues affecting our climate and country, but also aims to facilitate the excellent work already being through our equality, diversity & inclusion programmes.

The SES Strategy was shaped around three priorities:
· Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability
· Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
· Health & Well-Being

FAI CEO David Courell said: “The social and societal impact that Irish Football has on communities around the country should not be underestimated and we all have a responsibility to ensure that it continues to have a positive influence. To aid that, we are excited to roll out our first ever Social and Environmental Sustainability Strategy that sets out a clear framework in what we can do to make a difference.

“It is important that social & environmental sustainability is a big part of what we do in Irish Football so that we see the long-term social and economic benefits for everyone involved.”

FAI People & Culture Director Aoife Rafferty said: "We are delighted to launch our Social and Environmental Sustainability Strategy to continue making significant progress in areas that affect football on and off the pitch, including Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Health & Well-Being.

"This Strategy outlines our commitment to being more environmentally and socially aware of how football affects our game at a local, national and international level. It is hugely important that we assist and empower players, coaches, volunteers, officials, stakeholders and partners in helping us to achieve the targets set out in this Strategy over the next three years - and beyond."

FAI Social & Environmental Sustainability Manager Des Tomlinson said: “Supporting our sport to be socially and environmentally sustainable is important. The FAI is committed to playing its part in making a positive impact in communities through affecting environmental, social and governance-related issues and this Strategy will help to guide us and everyone involved in Irish football in putting that into action.

“A lot of research and work was done to create this Strategy with reference points taken from UEFA’s Strength Through Unity Strategy, the UN Sport for Climate Action framework, the Football for the Goals programme, Sustainable Development Goals and the National Climate Action Plan. Now we can take the next step forward and continue the good work being done all around the country in such important areas.”

Click here to download the SES Strategy