Sport’s Superpower: Small Actions, Big Impact

A new BBC Sport article has highlighted the power of grassroots clubs to “change the country” in the face of the growing climate crisis — a message that strongly echoes the mission of the Sports Environment Alliance (SEA).

According to Sport England, nearly two-thirds of adults and children in the UK have done less physical activity in the past year due to extreme weather events. Flooded pitches, heatwaves and other climate-related disruptions are now part of everyday sport - a trend familiar to many Australian clubs and communities.

Since 2023, £47.5 million in funding has been made available in the UK to help sporting organisations become more sustainable and adapt to these challenges. The initiative is part of a growing recognition that climate resilience is essential to keeping communities active, connected and healthy.

“We know that 120,000 grassroots football matches were called off last year, simply because of flooded pitches,” said Sport England Chair Chris Boardman. “This problem is real, and our problem is our own adaptability.”

From planting trees to absorb floodwater, to improving facilities so games can continue in tougher conditions, clubs across the UK are taking tangible action. The article highlights examples such as Whalley Range Cricket Club in Manchester and Oxford Harlequins RFC, which used a £15,000 grant to strengthen the resilience of their grounds against extreme weather.

Boardman said, “If all of them take small actions then that aggregates into real change. That’s the superpower.”

A Shared Challenge — and a Shared Opportunity

Here in Australia, the story is strikingly similar. Flooded ovals, heat-affected fixtures and smoky skies have all disrupted play in recent years, showing that the impacts of climate change on sport are global.

At SEA, we believe in the same superpower that Sport England celebrates. The ability of sport to lead by example, inspire behaviour change, and unite communities around environmental action.

Through programs, partnerships and advocacy, we’re working with our members and collaborators to build climate resilience into sport from the grassroots up — ensuring that everyone, from local clubs to national bodies, has the tools and confidence to take action.

Because protecting the places we play isn’t just about sport — it’s about people, community and the planet we all share.

Read the full BBC Sport article below.