Could Future World Cup Stars Be Involved in Trees for Goals?
Photo above: Young players from Bo’ness United Community Football Club planting trees as part of the Trees for Goals project.
Trees for Goals is an initiative delivered by FEL Scotland and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), which links grassroots football with climate action, helping local communities be better prepared for our changing climate. Funded by Future Woodlands Scotland’s Urban Forestry Challenge Fund, the programme supports the growth of urban woodlands across the Forth Valley by committing to plant one tree for every goal scored during a club’s season.
The Trees for Goals project currently has 16 teams signed up across the Forth Valley, with clubs in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire all taking part. With Scotland having just participated in the men’s World Cup in June 2026, and with hopes to qualify for the women’s World Cup in 2027, the Trees for Goals team is hoping that this project might help inspire young, future World Cup players to get involved in climate action and understand what they can do on a local level to build climate resilience!
Luke Strachan, Chief Executive of Future Woodlands Scotland, says: “Trees for Goals is a fantastic example of the kind of community-led action supported through our Urban Forestry Challenge Fund. By connecting grassroots football with tree planting, the project is helping young people understand the positive role trees play in creating greener, healthier and more climate-resilient communities. It’s inspiring to see local clubs and future football stars contributing to a lasting environmental legacy in the places where they live and play.”
Aspiring players from Alloa Wasps taking part in Trees for Goals have already noticed that the initiative has changed the way they think about their game. “I didn’t realise trees could help with flooding before. Now when we score, it feels like we’re helping where we live,” said Ryan (aged 11).
His teammate Cooper added: “It makes you want to score more because you know it’s helping the environment. It’s cool knowing a tree gets planted because of something you did on the pitch.”
As Cooper and Ryan have noticed, trees make a real difference to everyday life. They help provide shade and cool our streets during heatwaves, reduce flooding on fields and football pitches, clean the air we breathe, and create greener, more enjoyable spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The Trees for Goals project is currently recruiting teams to join for the next two seasons.
By joining Trees for Goals, grassroots sports teams can start to see the connection between the football pitch and nature, and leave a legacy in their community by planting trees they can walk past and admire as they grow. If your team wants to help make your community a greener place to live, work, and play, FEL Scotland and TCV would love to hear from you. Get in touch at trees4goals@felscotland.org
Young players from youth football club Alloa Saints involved in the Trees for Goals project, at Clackmannan County Cricket Club.
