Football clubs across Forth Valley are teaming up with FEL Scotland in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and Forth Climate Forest to turn goals on the pitch into environmental action in local communities.
As part of the Trees for Goals scheme, a tree is planted for every goal scored throughout the season. The initiative places our charitable mission at the heart of the project: mobilising volunteers, young people and community groups to take practical action on climate change, biodiversity loss, and flood resilience.
The TCV Scotland team plays a central role in delivering the scheme on the ground, ensuring that every tree planted supports long-term nature recovery and benefits communities across the region. We work closely with local people to choose suitable sites, plant resilient young trees, and ensure they are cared for so they can thrive well into the future.
The initiative first began last winter as a pilot with youth side Alloa Saints. Enough goals were scored to plant around 2,000 trees, laying the groundwork for a scheme that connects sport with practical environmental action.
Now expanded, the project has grown to include 14 clubs across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling. Clubs taking part include Alloa Athletic FC, Tillicoultry FC, Stenhousemuir FC Community Foundation, Bo’ness United Community Football Club and several teams from the Forth and Endrick League.
Josh Thornhill, TCV Operations Leader, said: “We’re delighted to support so many teams across Forth Valley to take positive action for nature and climate in their communities. The response from local teams has been brilliant and we are working to expand the programme in the coming years.”
Douglas Worrall, Director at Forth Climate Forest, said: “It’s great to see so many clubs being involved in Trees for Goals this year. The project is making a really valuable contribution towards the creation of the Forth Climate Forest and we’re extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for their financial support.
“Every tree planted will make a difference by helping neighbourhoods adapt to the effects of climate change as well as creating a healthier environment for local people.”
Forth Climate Forest covers Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling council areas, as well as parts of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The initiative aims to plant 16 million trees across the region by 2033 with the University of Stirling through Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC).
TCV teams have been working directly with the clubs and their communities, providing tools, expertise, and volunteer support during planting days. By using one- to two-year-old trees, we’re helping to maximise survival rates and long-term environmental impact.
The scheme launched with a ceremonial planting at the Alloa Wasps’ training ground at Alloa Academy, where young players expressed pride in knowing their goals would contribute directly to a healthier local environment.
“It makes you want to score more because you know it’s helping. It’s cool knowing a tree gets planted because of something you did on the pitch.”
Cooper, 11.“I didn’t realise trees could help with flooding before. Now when we score, it feels like we’re helping where we live.”
Ryan, 11.
Jonny McPhee, Alloa Wasps Football Development Officer, added: “It shows that climate action doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be fun, local and something everyone can take part in.
“One of the nicest things about the trees is the legacy they leave in the local area. Knowing a tree has been planted in your community means that, in years to come, someone can say their mum, dad or grandparent helped put it there.”
Clara Walker, Executive Director of FEL Scotland, said: “With Trees for Goals, clubs earn trees through goals scored, and by making individual climate pledges they can earn even more. It helps show players and families that small changes can make a big difference. The scheme also has the potential to be expanded across other sports, like rugby, cricket and hockey.”
Inspired by a similar international scheme, the project was developed by FEL Scotland project officers Sarah Donnachie and Steven Aitkenhead. Sarah said: “This project shows the potential of community sport as a gateway to climate action. Sports grounds are shared spaces at the heart of communities, and they offer real opportunities for nature recovery, climate adaptation and learning.
“Trees for Goals is a starting point. We’re interested in how initiatives like this can grow into longer-term pathways that support clubs to play an active role in caring for their local environment.”
Clubs interested in taking part can contact: Climate@felscotland.org