The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has embarked on an environmental conservation initiative, underscoring the role of sports in addressing broader societal challenges. The exercise, led by FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, involved the Malawi National Women’s Football Team planting trees along a bypass road from Chinyonga Township to Masauko Chipembere Highway in Blantyre.
Haiya’s call for football stakeholders to take an active role in environmental conservation signals a shift in how sports organizations view their responsibility beyond the pitch. He emphasized that football, as a community-driven sport, thrives in environments that need to be protected and sustained.
“Football is played by players who live in communities where trees are vital for our well-being. While the Scorchers are camping for their games against Zambia, we saw it fit to contribute to nature conservation,” Haiya stated. He further highlighted that this was not a one-time effort, recalling that FAM had also planted trees during the Four-Nations Tournament last year in response to FIFA’s encouragement to safeguard the environment.
The presence of Blantyre City Mayor Joseph Makwinja at the event added further weight to the initiative. He applauded FAM’s leadership in addressing environmental concerns, emphasizing that urban reforestation is crucial in combating deforestation and climate change. “We are very glad for this noble cause demonstrated by FAM. Trees are essential in our daily lives, and this effort will contribute to restoring greenery within the city,” Makwinja noted. He also urged residents to ensure that the 40 seedlings planted during the exercise are nurtured to maturity.
Scorchers Vice-Captain Temwa Chawinga echoed these sentiments, commending Haiya’s leadership and encouraging her fellow players and teams to adopt similar efforts. “As footballers, we have a role to play beyond the field. Taking care of the environment is just as important as our responsibilities in the game,” she said.
FAM’s engagement in tree-planting presents a compelling case for the intersection between sports and environmental advocacy. Beyond its role in fostering athletic excellence, the association is demonstrating that football can be a vehicle for social change, encouraging communities to take collective action in protecting natural resources.
The initiative sets a precedent, raising the question of whether other sports institutions will follow suit in integrating environmental stewardship into their activities. As climate concerns grow, partnerships between sports bodies and conservation efforts may become an essential strategy in building a sustainable future.
