SUSTAINABILITY

Less waste, lower carbon - practical action that makes a real difference

Sustainability isn’t an add‑on for RPSN; it’s one of the core reasons we exist. Every year, 13 million pairs of football boots are thrown away in the UK. Most still have plenty of life left in them - but they end up in landfill, contributing to waste, carbon emissions, and unnecessary manufacturing demand.

We’re here to change that through simple, community‑powered action.

WHY SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS TO US

  • Football boots are made from plastics, rubber and synthetic materials that take decades to break down. When they’re thrown away:

    • They contribute to landfill
    • They increase carbon emissions
    • They drive demand for new production
    • They waste resources that could be reused

    By keeping boots in circulation, we reduce environmental impact while showing children that sustainability is something they can do, not just learn about.

  • 13 MILLION

    PAIRS OF FOOTBALL BOOTS THROWN AWAY IN TH EUK EVERY YEAR

    MORE WASTE IN LANDFILL

    HIGER CARBON EMISSIONS

    MORE DEMAND FOR NEW PRODUCTION

  • WHAT WE’VE SEEN SO FAR

    Even in our early work, sustainability has resonated strongly - especially with children.

    During our first school session, pupils immediately connected the idea of reusing boots with what they’d been learning about environmental responsibility.

    It showed us that young people understand the importance of sustainability and are eager to take part in real‑world solutions.

  • OUR VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

    As we grow, we aim to:
    • Build a national network of boot reuse
    • Reduce the number of boots going to landfill
    • Help families choose reuse over replacement
    • Embed sustainability into school and club culture
    • Inspire young people to take climate‑positive action

  • Because sustainability isn’t just about the planet - it’s about the choices we make together as a community.

Sustainability is strongest when communities work together.

Discover how communities are coming together to support families, reduce waste and help more children play.

LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY IMPACT