Green Goals Conference 2025: Transforming for Tomorrow. Sport’s Role in Shaping a Greener, Healthier Future.

On Wednesday 26th June 2025, the doors of One Birdcage Walk, London opened to welcome passionate professionals from across the sports, leisure and physical activity sectors for the inaugural Green Goals Conference.

The conference, a bold new initiative from Why Sports, created a vital platform for the sector to deepen its understanding of the urgent issues surrounding sustainability, carbon reduction, and climate resilience. With sport’s unique reach into communities and its powerful ability to influence behaviours, this event was a timely reminder of the sector’s potential to lead by example in tackling the climate emergency.

At the heart of the day was our Chair, David Gent, whose expertise, energy and seamless hosting helped craft a warm, collaborative atmosphere. David’s longstanding connections across the sector and positive, proactive leadership ensured that conversations flowed, ideas were exchanged, and the event stayed both purposeful and engaging from start to finish.

His commitment to championing sustainability through sport was evident throughout, helping to shape a day full of inspiration and practical insights.

Powerful Contributions and Learning Moments

A special thank you to our Headline Sponsor, Atkins Réalis, whose support was invaluable in bringing the conference to life. Simon Ward, their representative on the day, delivered a standout presentation that explored the growing importance of designing sports, leisure and community spaces that are climate-resilient and future-ready. His thought-provoking session challenged delegates to reimagine how built environments can reduce carbon emissions, increase biodiversity and better serve communities in a changing climate.

Simon Ward, Technical Director, UK Head of Landscape Architecture said: “Congratulations on compiling such an interesting and informative conference. It was a fantastic day, bringing together so many influential, knowledgeable, and passionate people from across the sector. We thoroughly enjoyed the event, made lots of valuable new contacts, and had a number of informative, engaging conversations with delegates — all of whom had positive things to say about both our stand and our talk.

The emphasis on ‘Green Goals’ and the wider conversation around how sustainability applies within the active travel, sports, and physical activity sectors came through loud and clear. It gave us plenty of valuable thinking points, particularly around the importance of developing strong evidence bases to demonstrate the impact of projects — whether that’s through increased participation, economic value, or natural capital outcomes — that we can use to shape conversations with future clients.”

Alongside Simon, we were privileged to hear from a fantastic line-up of expert speakers, who shared evidence-based strategies, case studies and insights. Each presentation contributed to a deeper collective understanding of how sustainability strategies can be embedded into everyday operations and future developments within the sector.

The day wasn’t just about listening — it was about learning, challenging assumptions, and making meaningful connections. Delegates left equipped with new ideas, fresh perspectives and a renewed determination to be part of the solution.

A New Beginning for Green Goals

The success of this inaugural event marks just the beginning. Why Sports is committed to continuing this essential conversation and providing a platform for organisations to share best practices, collaborate and take bold steps towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The message from the day was clear: sport, leisure and physical activity can and must play a leading role in addressing the climate crisis. From grassroots clubs to major developments, every action counts — and the Green Goals Conference has set the stage for a sector-wide movement that will only grow stronger.

We extend our sincere thanks to all those who attended, presented, and supported this important event. Your enthusiasm and willingness to engage made the day a huge success. We look forward to welcoming you to future Green Goals Conferences, where we’ll continue to drive this agenda forward together.

Together, let’s create a healthier, greener, and more active Britain.

Click here to access the speaker presentation slides.