FFF Champions Q&A: David Wheeler
Football For Future sat down with the PFA’s first Sustainability Champion and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder David Wheeler to dig deeper into his passion for ensuring the beautiful game lives on for generations to come.
When did you first become aware of the importance of protecting the future of the sport and the world?
I guess I was aware of the issue from school age, but it probably wasn't until I went to university in my late teens, early 20s, where I really started to realise how serious the situation was. And it probably wasn’t until my early to mid 20s, where I really started to understand how it would directly impact sport consistently in the future.
What changes would you like to see clubs and governing bodies implement?
I'd like to see clubs and organisations put sustainability at the heart of every decision that they make, because pretty much every decision will impact the environment in some way. One of the main things for me is regionalising competitions rather than expanding or creating more competitions. This would massively increase travel and the increased carbon footprint off the back of that.
From a player’s perspective, what worries you the most regarding climate change?
The hotter it gets the more likely dangerous effects like heat stroke will occur. Pitches will become either a lot harder because they're dried out, which is going to be more punishing on the body, or they're going to be waterlogged, which is going to mean fixture congestion and the financial repercussions of not playing games as well.
Very proud of this! In 2023, my donations saved around 250ppls worth of carbon emissions, 11,640 animals were protected from the worst living conditions, & 405 humans were protected from the most devastating diseases & malnutrition 🌍🙌 @HIAorg @givingwhatwecan pic.twitter.com/Dh9cWQEqMx
— David Wheeler (@djwheeler07) February 16, 2024
What is your opinion on the incoming independent regulator for men’s elite football?
I think it's absolutely essential that an independent regulator includes sustainability as part of what they do. It should be central to everything going forward. By not including it they’re missing a massive opportunity.
What can individuals do to make a difference?
I think from an individual's perspective, every action counts. And they might seem really small, but that will stack up over the months and years. You can't underestimate the positive influence that you have on other people. If people witness you doing things, or if you're vocal about it in person or on social media, then that can have a ripple effect that can help change others behaviour.
What can players do to make a difference?
Not only can players be a good example themselves, but they can also use their platform to spread positive messages and highlight the changes people can make in their own life. We should be working with our clubs, but also suggest changes that the governing bodies and organisations can be making to have a better impact on the climate.
What are your plans when you hang up your boots?
I'm currently studying to be a sports psychologist, so that's probably my main focus at the moment. But I've also been doing my coaching qualifications and I’m really interested in sustainability as well, so if a role opens up in that, then I'd be keen to explore that as well.
Highlights of your career to date?
My highlights so far are probably when I scored 20 goals in a season for Exeter City in 2016/17 - including scoring in a playoff final at Wembley - scoring the goal to get promotion to League One with MK Dons. We then got promoted to the Championship with Wycombe Wanderers in the playoff final the following season, which was also a massive high point in my career.
Congrats to FFF's very own climate champion @djwheeler07 named as the first ever Sustainability Champion at the @PFA 🏆
— Football For Future (@ftblforfuture) February 17, 2023
The @wwfcofficial no. 7 has been a rock in midfield this season, and now continues his work off the field to build awareness + take action on climate ⚽️🌍 pic.twitter.com/aDqJgJYnrt
What did it mean to you to become the PFA’s first Sustainability Champion?
It was really flattering to be recognised by the PFA for the work that I've done so far. Giving me the opportunity to do that on a broader scale and on a bigger platform was really appreciated.
How did your teammates react to the news?
As you can imagine, you generally get the banter about it. But I think most of them recognised it was kind of a natural progression for me to move into a role like that and try to have more of an influence.
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
What's your favourite outdoor activity to enjoy while connecting with nature?
I don't get to do it very often at all, but I've always loved being on water. So, whether that's kayaking or canoeing, on the rare chances I've had to do that I've always loved it.
If you could choose one message to inspire others to take action for the environment, what would it be?
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. No one is perfect and everyone is a hypocrite in some way, but don't let that stop you doing anything, however small. It’s going to be a positive action that's going to help the environment and potentially inspire other people to do the same.