A YOUTH football team is scoring for Scotland’s future by planting a tree for every goal they notch up.
With 1000 goals already scored this season, Alloa Saints are proving that teamwork can make a difference for both football and the environment.
Since teaming up with Forth Valley Climate Action Hub, Forth Climate Forest and TCV Scotland for the initiative, the enthusiastic players have scored so many goals that the number of trees has had to be capped.
It’s now hoped that the pilot project – titled Trees for Goals – will be rolled out across Scotland if enough funding can be found.
The trees already secured by Saints’ skills will be planted at the team’s training ground at Alloa Cricket Club as well as other locations across Clackmannanshire, ensuring that every goal scored contributes to a greener, more resilient future for the Wee County.
Paul Robertson, chair of Alloa Saints Football Club, said: “Our players are learning that the goals they score have an impact far beyond the pitch. They’re not just playing to win games – they’re playing to make their community better and greener. It’s a fantastic initiative, and the kids are so proud to be a part of it.”
He added: “One of our coaches shared a heart-warming moment – after scoring a goal, one young player ran straight to his parents, shouting, ‘That’ll plant a tree!’ His face was beaming with delight.”
READ MORE: Archaeologists to probe Scotland's oldest tombs in major new project
The project supports Forth Climate Forest’s goal to plant 16 million trees in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling within the next decade. Part of Scotland’s International Environment Centre at the University of Stirling, Forth Climate Forest aims to foster a net zero regional economy in Forth Valley and serve as a global model for low-carbon growth. Grassroots efforts like Trees for Goals highlight how local initiatives can drive transformative environmental change.
Doug Worrall, director of Forth Climate Forest, said the project was a win-win for football and the environment.
“Every time these kids score, they’re making a difference for their local environment,” he said.
“Planting trees not only helps protect communities from flooding and creates spaces for wildlife to thrive but also reduces the impact of extreme weather – all of which means fewer games are disrupted.”
Worrall added: “Football has the power to bring communities together and this project shows how that same spirit can tackle big challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
“We’re aiming to plant 16 million trees in the areas that need them most, helping neighbourhoods cope with extreme weather, creating habitats for wildlife, and advancing net zero goals. Trees for Goals is a fantastic example of how everyone, from junior players to their families, can play a part in this mission.”
The Trees For Goals project was inspired by Kenyan footballer and environmentalist Lesein Mutunkei and is aimed at teaching young players about the importance of native trees, which boost local biodiversity, help manage flooding, create wildlife habitats and connect communities with nature.
Sarah Donnachie, of Forth Valley Climate Action Hub said the project showed how small actions can make a “massive” difference.
“We’re thrilled to see Alloa Saints embracing this initiative with such enthusiasm,” she said.
“This project demonstrates how community sport can have a real impact on tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. By linking goals on the field with goals for the planet, we’re empowering young people and their families to take meaningful action that’s not only fun, but educational and vital.”
The success in Forth Valley is paving the way for a potential rollout across Scotland in 2025/26.
With support from the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and further funding, Trees for Goals aims to grow into a national programme. Funding of £30,000 is being sought to ensure sustainable development and broad engagement.
Donnachie said: “This pilot project is just the beginning. With support from the Scottish Football Association and additional funding, Trees for Goals aims to expand across Scotland in the 2025/26 season, encouraging even more teams to connect football with climate action.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here