#Charity

SAINTS have released a review outlining its sustainability achievements a year on from launching ‘The Halo Effect’, following the announcement of its joint third place in the Sport Positive Premier League Sustainability Table. As part of its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, Saints have focused on its environmental responsibility and saw 1,000 trees planted in recognition of debut players Kegs Chauke, Ryan Finnigan, Alex Jankewitz and Caleb Watts, by pupils at Redbridge Community School. A further 250 trees were planted by Dan Nlundulu at the club’s Staplewood training complex, with the club pledging to plant 250 trees every time one of its academy players make their first-team debut. Last year alone saw over 1,250 tonnes of its carbon emissions offset. Reusable cups were also introduced on matchdays in a bid to reduce single-use plastic at the club, with around 57,000 cups saved last year – the equivalent of 6,000 single use plastic cups saved per game. Saints’ vice-captain Oriol Romeu said: “After being involved in the launch of The Halo Effect a year ago, I’m delighted to see the progress that the club has made. “Planting so many trees through the Home Grown Initiative and reducing single-use plastic are really positive steps and show how seriously the club takes its environmental responsibility. “As a player, I’m proud that my club is taking this proactive attitude towards positive change and constantly working to become more and more sustainable. “I am also a firm believer in trying to ensure that we leave behind better people as well as a better planet and so I fully support the social and educative initiatives that the club and its partners have invested in. It’s inspiring to see the impact that these are having on the local and wider community.” The club has also invested £2.5million to improve accessibility and matchday experience and launched its No place for homophobia in Southampton initiative with official kit supplier, hummel, and Rainbow Saints – a dedicated LGBTQ+ supporter group. In partnership with NHS Solent Trust, the Saints By Your Side mental health campaign was also launched to encourage fans to talk openly about mental health, while the club launched Grow Your Game, a programme to support the development of grass roots football in Hampshire with more the 700 coaches enrolling since its inception in the summer of 2021.