When assembling a soccer team, on-field performance is crucial, but off-field impact also plays a significant role. For Udinese, aiming for their third straight season of climbing the Serie A standings, history will be made when they meet Cagliari this Saturday for a match dedicated to sustainability. In partnership with UEFA, they will be the first club to use the Football Event Sustainability Manual in a match, setting a standard for future sustainable practices.
Udinese is already a leader in sustainable initiatives, ranking favorably in sustainability indexes and equipping Bluenergy Stadium with solar panels that power the Energy in Campo, Italy’s first renewable energy community in soccer. While sustainability has become a priority, the influence of fashion on Udinese’s journey to more sustainable practices is noteworthy.
How to watch Udinese vs. Cagliari, odds
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19 | Time: 9 a.m. ET
- Location: Bluenergy Stadium — Udine, Italy
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Udinese +125; Draw +230; Cagliari +230
“Six years ago, there was a significant movement in the fashion world towards sustainability and the use of eco-friendly materials. I thought, why not leverage soccer to convey this message? Soccer can influence not just fans, but culture at large,” said Magda Pozzo, a club executive, in an interview with CBS Sports.
The intersection of fashion and sustainability has gained global attention, with Major League Soccer also incorporating sustainable kits. Udinese aims to foster young talent in both soccer and design; three years ago, they partnered with the Fashion Trust in Milan, allowing an emerging designer to create their third kit. This unique approach assures a distinctive look while supporting the next generation of designers. The game will serve not only as a competitive event but also as an experiment in gauging what works in their sustainability efforts.
“It’s essential for us to make practices accessible, but monitoring and collecting data on these initiatives is equally vital,” continued Pozzo. “We used to eagerly adopt new practices, but now we’re focusing on understanding their effectiveness through precise feedback.”
From a viewing perspective, the match will appear as a standard fixture, but those watching via Paramount+ will notice the pre-game festivities include children accompanied by cyclists, advocating for biking to the stadium. Fan transportation initiatives such as designated buses for those unable to bike are in place. This practice, common in clubs worldwide, is creatively highlighted in pre-match ceremonies. From expanding vegan and vegetarian options on match days to ensuring food is locally sourced, Udinese is leaving no detail unaddressed. The outcomes of this match could shape how clubs source materials in the future, making both the results and the unparalleled fan experience crucial.
Fan Take: This initiative matters to soccer fans as it blends the excitement of the game with a commitment to environmental stewardship, setting a precedent in the sport. If successful, it could inspire other clubs to adopt similar sustainable practices, thereby enhancing the overall ethos of soccer as a forward-thinking sport.
Source: www.cbssports.com
