Great Western Railway supports football’s new Sustainable Travel Charter
Great Western Railway (GWR) has welcomed the decision by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and clubs from the English Football League (EFL) to launch a Sustainable Travel Charter, as the footballing community moves to reduce its carbon footprint.
The initiative seeks to build support for more environmentally-friendly forms of transport and challenge the idea that flying – traditionally favoured by top-flight football clubs – provides a sustainable competitive advantage.
As reported by SportsPro Media, clubs including Millwall, Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town have already shown their support for the charter, working alongside the FSA and football charity Pledgeball.
GWR Exclusive Sales Manager, Sarah Hind, said: “We firmly believe in the potential for change and are committed to offering a more sustainable alternative to short-haul flights for teams and fans alike.
“We know football clubs expect the very highest levels of customer experience and we have already worked with the likes of Millwall and Plymouth Argyle to take players to away fixtures.
“We have a specialist sales team ready to assist football clubs seeking to travel by train, which as we all know is a far more environmentally friendly form of transport.”
Earlier this year, rock superstars The Foo Fighters made headlines by choosing GWR to take them to Glastonbury Festival, where they were performing as The ChurnUps. Frontman Dave Grohl posed with GWR staff.
While discussions are ongoing with more clubs to support the charter, it is hoped that this initiative will inspire other organisations to join in reducing their carbon footprint and consider other ways of making journeys.
GWR remains committed to providing sustainable travel solutions and supporting efforts that contribute to a greener future. By choosing rail travel with GWR, football teams, fans and all travellers can play a vital role in protecting our environment.
As well as Plymouth and Millwall, the train operator has also worked with QPR and the Wales national team in recent seasons.
Clubs interested in travelling on the GWR network should email salesenquiries@gwr.com
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Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us.