Leicester Nirvana FC Wins National Sustainability Award for Partnership of the Year.
basis national award winners
Leicester Nirvana Football Club has been named the winner of the Partnership of the Year award at the prestigious BASIS (British Association for Sustainable Sport) Sustainability Awards 2024, recognising their outstanding collaboration with De Montfort University (DMU) and the United Nations to become a net zero football club.
This award celebrates Leicester Nirvana’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability through its innovative partnership with DMU and the United Nations. Together, they are working to make the club carbon neutral, while also addressing wider global challenges through the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through this collaboration, Leicester Nirvana is not only finding ways to reduce its carbon footprint but also creating a positive impact on the local community, encouraging youth engagement and awareness around climate action, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Mark Charlton, Associate Professor of Sustainable Development & Associate Director of DMU United Nations Academic Impact SDG Hub of De Montfort University, commented: “We are incredibly proud of this partnership with Leicester Nirvana FC. Together, we are demonstrating the power of combining sport, research, and international frameworks like the SDGs to create meaningful change. This award is a testament to the innovation and shared vision of our collaboration.”
The BASIS Sustainability Awards highlight organisations in the sports industry making significant contributions to sustainability. Leicester Nirvana FC’s innovative partnership exemplifies how clubs can drive positive environmental and social outcomes, serving as a blueprint for other grassroots sports organisations.
Ivan Liburd SDG Champion for Leicester Nirvana said;
“We are thrilled to receive the Partnership of the Year award from BASIS. It’s an incredible honour and a reflection of our commitment to sustainability in football. Our partnership with De Montfort University and the United Nations has been instrumental in our journey to become net zero. This award shows how sport can be a force for good, driving both environmental and social change.”
Ivan Liburd was also shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year at the BASIS Awards and finished as one of two runner ups to Chris Goodwin from Chelsea Football Club.
Leicester Nirvana's progression towards aligning with the world's Sustainable Development Goals has been truly remarkable. Starting from humble beginnings, the club has now emerged as a trailblazer in grassroots football, asserting its leadership not only locally and nationally but also on the international stage.
For more information on our SDG work, visit our dedicated net zero page.
