How A-League clubs can tackle waste management

It’s been widely publicised about how waste is going into landfill as we look at ways to protect our environment.

As a community, soccer clubs around the country have the ability to start making changes that will help the environment become better. What can we learn from overseas?

When you think about it, we go through a lot of waste at soccer games. Plastic cups, cans, food wrappers, bottles and more. Whether it be at the professional or local level, clubs are always dealt the task of cleaning up after matches.

Despite the recycling crisis remaining a problem across Australia, there hasn’t ever really been a system in place about ways to manage the rubbish from matches. Some clubs opt for both recycling and rubbish bins, but sometimes there are only the main general waste bins available.

We can only hope that the recycling crisis eases soon, but what can clubs and ground staff do now to prepare for a more sustainable future?

It needs to be put on the table because recently in Victoria there’s been a speculative idea to solve the current recycling issues – that is to have up to six different bins to seperate kerbside waste.

That’s a lot of sorting out to do if it comes to fruition and if it does happen clubs should start thinking about what measures they can put in place now.

While rubbish sent to landfill is inevitable, are there any lessons to be learned from overseas about how clubs and supporters can help restrict the amount of rubbish?

It comes as a report revealed that over 6 million single use cups for hot drinks were used by fans at Premier League matches throughout the course of the 2018/19 season, demonstrating that it’s not only here that waste could be reduced.

It gives a glimpse into how much waste there is, and why it’s important to address it before it’s too late.

Some changes have already been implemented in English clubs, with some trials being put to the test as they look for creative ways to limit the rubbish sent to landfill.

In a fixture at London Stadium, West Ham trialled a system where they used reusable cups along with 100 well signed collection points, which enabled them to save over 20,000 cups being sent to landfill.

Perhaps even more creative, at Twickenham Stadium they have introduced a deposit return scheme that has been a great success. The refundable deposit comes with a fan’s first drink, and basically they can either return for another drink or leave the ground with a souvenir.

As a starting point, it’s worth investigating how to be more sustainable by relying less on plastics. It comes as single-use plastics are slowly being phased out as a way to limit its damage to the environment.

This is where clubs can begin to become more creative with their resources. Instead of the general plastic that has no use afterwards, people should start thinking twice before chucking something out. Over time if clubs think with this mindset, it would make for some positive changes.

Waste management can be something that can be overlooked by local clubs, but getting fans onside and thinking about how to be more sustainable is a good move forward.

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Australia’s Urban Sporting Landscape changing with smart surfaces

At the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC25) innovations in synthetic, natural, acrylic, and hybrid sports surfaces will be central in response to tackling pressing environmental and health concerns.

The convention is set to kick off on June 25-26, 2025 at Melbourne’s Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The event is dedicated to Sports Surfaces and it highlights it will showcase how cutting-edge surface technologies are revolutionising public spaces, creating durable, safe, inclusive and sustainable environments that get communities moving.

Some innovations on show include Polytan, which has unveiled eco-friendly long pile turf solutions engineered for intensive use whilst slashing environmental impact through sugar cane-based polymers rather than traditional petroleum derivatives.

Hybrid systems such as POWERgrass’s approach combine natural grass with synthetic reinforcement, delivering enhanced traction, comfort, and can withstand up to 30 hours of weekly play.

Meanwhile, acrylic surfaces versatility allows multiple sports to share the same surface with exceptional durability, making them perfect for pocket parks.

Despite their advantages, synthetic surfaces face scrutiny over environmental and health implications, particularly concerning microplastics and heat retention.

The NSW Chief Scientist’s comprehensive report identified critical knowledge gaps, sparking industry-wide moves toward alternative materials.

Martin Sheppard, Managing Director of Smart Connection Consultancy and author of the ‘Smart Guide to Synthetic Sports Fields,’ emphasises the importance of evidence-based decision making.

“These surfaces will address common perceptions and challenges associated with synthetic surfaces, providing evidence-based insights into player safety, environmental impacts, and surface playability,” Sheppard explained via National Sports and physical activity convention media release.

NSC25’s keynote presentation, ‘Designing Active Urban Places,’ will explore comprehensive strategies for future-proofing cities to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

The session features Kristen Clark from the Heart Foundation, who will unveil the fourth edition of the ‘Blueprint for an Active Australia,’ alongside Professor John Cairney from the University of Queensland, discussing movement-friendly urban design principles.

The convention’s PitchFEST session will showcase practical innovations including acrylic pocket parks, multi-sport surface designs and environmentally conscious long pile turf solutions.

These initiatives address a concerning reality: only 17 per cent of Australian youth currently meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

The focus on creating opportunities for youth recreation and unstructured play reflects growing recognition that accessible, well-designed sporting infrastructure plays a crucial role in community health outcomes.

Through collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders and community stakeholders Australia is becoming a world leader in building healthier, more active communities whilst maintaining environmental stewardship.

As urban density continues to reshape our cities, these surface innovations offer hope that every Australian can access quality sporting facilities, regardless of where they call home.

AI and Tech Transforming Australian Community Sport

Community sport across Australia is undergoing rapid change, driven by artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.

These innovations are changing the way community and school sports operate, connect with people, and foster more inclusive, efficient, and vibrant sporting environments nationwide.

Martin Sheppard, CEO of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, highlighted the magnitude of this change.

“We’re witnessing a game-changing moment where technology is not just supporting sport – it’s redefining it. From grassroots to schools, digital solutions are enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and more inclusive environments. At this year’s Convention, we’re bringing together the pioneers of this transformation to ensure every club, school, and community can benefit,” he said via press release.

As outlined by the ASTN, the sports technology sector in Australia is now a well-established industry worth $4.69 billion, featuring over 765 active businesses.

This development shows a strong national push to utilise innovation to solve problems, boost efficiency, and grow opportunities across community sport.

At the forefront of this transformation is the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream at the 2025 National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC), set for June 25-26 in Melbourne.

Highlighting innovations from AI-driven analytics to mobile apps and immersive virtual tools, this stream will explore how technology is reshaping community sport.

Griffith University researchers in Queensland, collaborating with VALD from Brisbane, developed a rapid test that identifies high ACL injury risk in athletes within 10 minutes, supporting coaches to implement personalised prevention.

NSC’s AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream will highlight visionary ideas and key figures shaping sport’s future.

The Impact Keynote session, ‘Embracing Technology to Impact Sport’, will feature Dawid Naude, CEO of Pathfindr.ai, and Andrew Walton, Managing Director of Sports Tech World Series, discussing how AI and machine learning empower clubs to optimise their operations and enrich member engagement.

Afterwards, the ‘Embracing AI to Be More Inclusive’ panel will consider how commercial technologies from around the world are being applied to grassroots levels, featuring insights from Martin Schlegel (ASTN), Yasmin London (Qoria), and Brent Richardson (Enrichd Group).

To learn more about the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention and the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream, click here.

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