Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a crucial topic these days. Businesses across the world are seeking to adopt more sustainable and responsible practices in order to contribute positively to society and the environment. However, the importance of CSR is not just limited to businesses.
Sports clubs and organizations also have an essential role to play in this transformation towards a more CSR attitude. There are therefore various reasons why clubs should engage in CSR practices, as well as strategies to encourage them to act towards a more sustainable future.
UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF CLUBS ON SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Sports clubs, whether local or international, have a significant impact on society and the environment. Their activities can influence the behavior of their supporters, attract sponsors and generate considerable revenue. It is therefore essential that these clubs become aware of their influence and their responsibility towards the community and the planet.
ADVANTAGES OF A CSR ATTITUDE FOR CLUBS
Adopting a more socially and environmentally responsible attitude has many advantages for clubs. First of all, it helps to strengthen their reputation and brand image.
Fans and sponsors are more likely to support a club that demonstrates a commitment to important causes, such as tackling climate change, promoting equality and social responsibility, compared to another club that does not care absolutely none of these important issues.
Additionally, CSR practices can enable clubs to save money and increase operational efficiency. For example, by adopting energy saving measures, sustainable waste management (e.g. with Flycup) and responsible transport (e.g. with StadiumGo ), clubs can reduce costs while minimizing their carbon footprint.
So, when clubs adopt a solution like Flycup through the use of cup holders Flycup Drink or our packaging Twin, Single or Double , they reduce their carbon impact by 28% compared to traditional packaging.
Moreover, they also fulfill certain missions provided for by the Charter of 15 commitments of which they are, for the most part, signatories. Which means that they will receive more royalties linked to these commitments (more info here ) thanks to eco-friendly and responsible behavior.
ESTABLISH CLEAR AND ACHIEVABLE OBJECTIVES
To encourage clubs to take action towards a more CSR attitude, it is essential to establish clear and achievable objectives. These objectives must be adapted to the specific realities of each club, taking into account their resources and scale.
As we have highlighted, objectives such as reducing energy consumption, using recyclable materials in sports clubs or performance halls, or getting involved in local social projects can be good starting points. .
METHODS USED BY CLUBS TO REDUCE THEIR IMPACT
- Involve stakeholders :
To succeed in their transition to a more CSR attitude, clubs must actively involve all their stakeholders. This includes players, coaches, administrative staff, sponsors and especially the fans.
Supporter engagement is particularly important as their support and adherence to the club's CSR values can help spread the message more widely.
Indeed, today's fans are increasingly sensitive to issues of sustainability, ethics and social responsibility. They are likely to feel more connected and loyal to a club that shares these values and actively engages in CSR initiatives. This is why the fan experience is a crucial aspect to take into account when it comes to encouraging clubs to take action towards a more CSR attitude.
Therefore, there are several ways to involve stakeholders in a CSR attitude, such as digital activations or gamification. These innovative approaches make it possible to engage supporters, partners and other stakeholders in a fun and interactive way with the aim of increasing their awareness and engaging their participation in the club's CSR initiatives.
Digital activations can be done through awareness campaigns or online participation. That is to say, clubs can create digital campaigns to inform supporters about current CSR initiatives, the environmental and social issues generated by football matches, as well as the concrete actions undertaken by the club. In addition, clubs can also involve their fans by organizing surveys, competitions or online challenges related to CSR.
At Flycup, we offer the possibility of inserting a QR Code on the Custom Flycups to set up a digital activation, which can refer, for example, to a competition with prizes to be won in the event of responsible behavior by a supporter, but also directly to the club's CSR commitments page. Choice belonging to each club according to their ambitions.
- Communicate and celebrate progress :
Communication is a key element in inspiring change, particularly in the context of sports clubs and their social and environmental responsibility (CSR). Clubs that engage in CSR initiatives have the opportunity to play a vital role in leading by example and inspiring other clubs to take similar actions.
Firstly, transparent communication on the CSR actions undertaken by a club helps to highlight its commitment to responsible practices. By demonstrating transparency, the club demonstrates its desire to be accountable to its supporters, partners and society as a whole. This creates a bond of trust with stakeholders and strengthens the club's image as a socially responsible actor.
Many clubs like RCT , OM , PSG , with whom we work, and many others in different disciplines, have become aware of their impact on the environment and are committed to social and environmental responsibility (CSR). They have chosen to communicate their commitments and progress to the public, whether on their website or through their social media platforms. Thus, we can follow their actions and developments in these areas over time and at Flycup we are proud to be able to work hand in hand in the search for increasingly innovative and responsible solutions.
Thus, by highlighting their achievements and progress towards achieving CSR objectives, clubs can inspire supporters to adopt responsible and sustainable behaviors. Fans often have great influence in the world of sport, and by raising awareness of the club's CSR initiatives, they can also feel encouraged to act more responsibly in their daily lives.
As well as encouraging supporters to adopt more sustainable practices, transparent communication about clubs' CSR actions can also have a knock-on effect on other clubs and sporting organisations. By seeing the positive results achieved by a club in its CSR initiatives, other clubs can be encouraged to follow suit.
CONCLUSION
Sports clubs play a vital role in promoting social and environmental responsibility. Their commitment to CSR can have a positive impact on society and the environment, while strengthening their reputation and brand image.
By actively engaging their stakeholders and transparently communicating their actions, clubs can inspire others to follow their example towards a more sustainable future.