Cardiff FC Foundation Environmental Grant 2026

Key Points

• Cardiff City FC Community Foundation awarded grant from the Sustainability in Sport Fund, part of Admiral’s Green Fund Initiative, committing up to £100,000 seed funding for the second year to Welsh Sports Association (WSA) members.
• Grant enables launch of “Stadium of the Future” project targeting environmental change in Wales’ sport and leisure sector through education and hands-on activities.
• Project engages 900 young people across 30 local primary schools via STEM learning, stadium design challenges, Minecraft integration, site visits, and a final showcase.
• Focuses on building environmental awareness in pivotal age group, promoting sustainable behaviours at home, school, and community; aligns with Curriculum for Wales.
• Develops green skills, creative, confident, and ethically informed learners to foster long-term climate-responsible mindsets.
• Announced as winners following an inspirational day showcasing sport’s desire for impactful change; Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is the official charity of Cardiff City Football Club.
• Empowers individuals via education, sport, and community projects for healthier, active lives and personal growth.
• Michelle Leavesley, Chief Sustainability Officer at Admiral, congratulated recipients and anticipates exciting propositions.
• Luke Jenkins-Jones, Early Years & Primary Education Coordinator at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, expressed delight over funding for “Stadium of the Future” project.
• Supports WSA members to innovate activity, encourage collaboration, and influence behaviour change for greener community sport participation.
• Builds on prior Cardiff City FC sustainability efforts, including Green Football Weekend with Compass Cymru, plant-based promotions, Sustainable Travel Charter, and green energy plans at new training centre.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 31, 2026 – Cardiff City FC Community Foundation has received a significant grant from the Sustainability in Sport Fund to spearhead environmental initiatives, marking a pivotal step in promoting sustainability within Welsh community sport.

What Grant Did Cardiff City FC Community Foundation Secure?

The Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Cardiff City Football Club, was announced as one of the recipients of the Sustainability in Sport Fund grants.

As reported on the Foundation’s official website, this funding stems from Admiral’s partnership with the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) for the second consecutive year, providing up to £100,000 in seed funding through the Green Fund Initiative, part of Admiral’s Community Investment Programme.

This financial support aims to drive lasting environmental change in the sport and leisure sector across Wales. The Foundation plans to launch the “Stadium of the Future” project, which will engage 900 young people from 30 local primary schools.

Through education, sport, and community projects, the charity empowers individuals to lead healthier, more active lives while fostering opportunities for personal growth and social change.

The programme emphasises hands-on design, site visits to stadiums, and a culminating showcase event. It aligns closely with the Curriculum for Wales, integrating STEM learning to develop creative, confident, and ethically informed learners.

Why Focus on the Stadium of the Future Project?

The “Stadium of the Future” initiative targets a pivotal age group to build environmental awareness and promote sustainable behaviours in homes, schools, and communities.

Participants will tackle real sustainability challenges, such as innovative stadium designs that reduce environmental impact, using tools like Minecraft to spark imagination and embed green principles into classrooms.

As detailed in EFL coverage, the project represents a shift for the Foundation towards environmental priorities, following previous community efforts. It encourages long-term climate-responsible mindsets by strengthening green skills among young participants.

Luke Jenkins-Jones, Early Years & Primary Education Coordinator at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, reflected on the funding:

“We’re delighted to have secured funding to deliver our Stadium of the Future project across local communities. Through STEM learning and stadium design, we’re helping young people tackle real sustainability challenges while supporting the Curriculum for Wales by developing creative, confident and ethically informed learners.”

This project builds on a new Minecraft competition launched earlier, which brought sustainability into classrooms by challenging students to enhance matchday experiences sustainably.

Who Are the Key Partners and Funders?

Admiral, through its Chief Sustainability Officer Michelle Leavesley, plays a central role. Leavesley stated:

“We would like to congratulate all of this year’s recipients for their successful applications, and look forward to seeing their exciting propositions come to life.”

The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) collaborates with Admiral to distribute the funds, inspiring innovation, collaboration, and behaviour change for a greener approach to community sport. The grants were awarded after an inspirational day highlighting sport’s commitment to impactful environmental progress.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, as the charity arm, leverages its expertise in delivering projects that combine football with education and wellbeing.

How Does This Fit into Broader Cardiff City FC Sustainability Efforts?

Cardiff City FC has demonstrated ongoing environmental commitment. In partnership with Compass Cymru, the club supported Green Football Weekend during a match against Sheffield Wednesday, promoting plant-based options and initiatives like Notpla and Grounds For Good to reduce carbon footprints.

Jane Byrd, Managing Director of Compass Cymru, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Cardiff City FC in supporting Green Football Weekend and the Great Save campaign. These initiatives, especially the promotion of our plant-based options and our partnerships with Notpla and Grounds For Good, showcase our shared commitment to sustainability and demonstrate how football can play a vital role in promoting positive environmental change.”

Additionally, Cardiff City FC signed the Sustainable Travel Charter, one of 14 clubs committing to greener travel choices via Pledgeball, normalising lower-carbon options.

The club highlighted further steps, including the Sustainable Travel Charter, KitAid partnership, Boots for Bluebirds campaign, and upcoming installations of solar PV, lighting controls, and EV charging at the new Hensol training centre.

What Previous Initiatives Preceded This Grant?

Prior to the March 2026 announcement, the Foundation launched a Minecraft-based “Stadium of Tomorrow” competition in August 2025, focusing on green innovation for matchday sustainability.

In other efforts, a £30,000 grant funded 80 free Premier League Kicks sessions for 8–25-year-olds in South Wales, blending football with youth safety and wellbeing workshops.

These activities underscore the Foundation’s evolution towards environmental focus, as noted in EFL reports from 2025 and 2026.

When and Where Was the Grant Announcement Made?

Winners were revealed on 26 March 2026, following an event showcasing sport’s environmental ambitions. Coverage appeared promptly on the Foundation’s site dated 25 March 2026, with EFL articles on 31 March 2026.

Social media, including a Facebook post from Cardiff City FC Community Foundation on 27 March 2026, reiterated the “Stadium of the Future” engaging 900 pupils in eco-friendly stadium design.

Why Is This Significant for Welsh Sport and Communities?

This grant galvanises a cleaner approach to sport participation, influencing behaviour across Wales. By targeting primary schools, it instils sustainability early, aligning with national curriculum goals.

The EFL noted the Foundation’s role in turning attention to environmental projects, amplifying football’s community impact.

As a neutral observer, this development positions Cardiff City FC Community Foundation as a leader in sport-led climate action, with potential for replication by other WSA members.

Broader Implications for Football’s Green Transition

Football’s sustainability push, evident in Green Football Weekend and charters, reflects industry-wide change. Cardiff City FC’s initiatives, from plant-based matchday food to training centre upgrades, exemplify this.

The £100,000 fund’s second round underscores sustained corporate backing from Admiral, fostering collaboration.

Experts like Leavesley emphasise the inspirational potential, while on-ground coordinators like Jenkins-Jones highlight educational benefits.