A Scots youth football team is shooting to save the planet – by planting a new tree every time they score a goal. Alloa Saints teamed up with local green groups to launch the high-scoring “trees for goals” initiative.
And with Saints players already netting more than 1000 goals so far this season, they’re proving that teamwork can make a difference for both football and the environment. The project is supporting Forth Climate Forest’s goal to plant 16 million trees in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling within the next decade.
Trees for Goals saw every goal scored by Saints teams from the start of the season to National Tree Week – which was last week – count as another tree planted. The initiative, inspired by Kenyan footballer and environmentalist Lesein Mutunkei, also teaches young players about the importance of native trees which boost local biodiversity, help manage flooding, create wildlife habitats and connect communities with nature.
The trees will be planted at the team’s training ground at Alloa Cricket Club as well as other locations across Clackmannanshire Paul Robertson, Chairman of Alloa Saints Football Club added: “Our players are learning that the goals they score have an impact far beyond the pitch.
“They’re not just playing to win games – they’re playing to make their community better and greener. It’s a fantastic initiative, and the kids are so proud to be a part of it.
“One of our coaches shared a heartwarming moment: after scoring a goal, one young player ran straight to his parents, shouting, ‘That’ll plant a tree!’ His face was beaming with delight.” The project is in partnership with Forth Valley Climate Action Hub, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Scotland and Forth Climate Forest.
Sarah Donnachie, of Forth Valley Climate Action Hub, said: “By linking goals on the field with goals for the planet, we’re empowering young people and their families to take meaningful action that’s not only fun, but educational and vital. The response from the players has been so enthusiastic that the number of trees has had to be capped!”
Forth Climate Forest – part of Scotland’s International Environment Centre at the University of Stirling – said the scheme shows how local initiatives can drive transformative environmental change. Director Doug Worrall said: “Football has the power to bring communities together, and this project shows how that same spirit can tackle big challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
“Trees for Goals is a fantastic example of how everyone – from junior players to their families – can play a part in this mission. Every time these kids score, they’re making a difference for their local environment.
“Planting trees not only helps protect communities from flooding and creates spaces for wildlife to thrive but also reduces the impact of extreme weather – all of which means fewer games are disrupted. It’s a win-win for football and the environment.”
Junior players will kick off the tree planting this month and over the winter the team and their families will plant hundreds more trees making a lasting impact both on the pitch and in their community. The initiative’s success in Forth Valley is paving the way for a potential rollout across Scotland in 2025-26 with backing from the SFA.
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