Vermont Green FC announced today that the club has been accepted as a member of the United Nations’ initiative, Football for the Goals (FFTG). By joining Football for the Goals, Vermont Green FC commits to advocating for the achievement and implementation of policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. It is an opportunity to build on football’s powerful and influential reach and to work together to become agents of change by aligning messaging, strategies and operations with the aspirations of the SDGs.
“We are proud to have been accepted as members of the United Nations’ Football for the Goals.” said Vermont Green FC’s co-founders. “We are energized by the opportunity to both advance the founding environmental justice principles of our own club, as well as to bring the experiences and concerns of Vermont’s soccer community to the international stage.”
This initiative will inspire and guide the world of football – from confederations, national associations, leagues and clubs, to players’ associations, organized fan groups, as well as media and commercial partners – to build on existing sustainability approaches and to implement SDG strategies that lead to behavioural change.
Members may not only aspire to develop sustainable practices, but may also act as champions of the SDGs during the Decade of Action (2020-2030). Members will use their visibility and outreach power via tournaments, players, corporate brand exposure, media and fan communities to raise the profile of the SDGs through amplification and advocacy. They will inspire action by demonstrating how these sustainable practices can be mainstreamed through any business model, including sport.
“Our team looks forward to collaborating with and supporting Vermont Green FC as it becomes a champion for sustainable development and human rights and drives positive change within the football community and beyond.” said Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications, in a letter to the club.
Members of Football for the Goals commit to the following principles across their business practices and in their advocacy with stakeholders, as well as media and commercial partners and sponsors:
- Sustainability policies and practices.
- Implementing and advocating for the SDGs.
- A human rights-based approach, including in addressing issues of discrimination and avoiding discriminatory practices.
- Equality and equity, including gender.
- Climate action.
Vermont Green FC will kick off its fifth season in 2026. The defending USL League Two National Champions will compete in the U.S. Open Cup beginning in March before embarking on their league title-defense in May.