Football For Future x Earth Minutes at London Climate Action Week

A photo of Elliot with partners at the Youth Climate Summit, including Deputy Mayor of London, Mete Coban.

On 26th June, we joined our friends at Earth Minutes and the Mayor of London’s team for the first-ever Youth Climate Summit during London Climate Action Week for a buzzing morning of energy, ideas and youth-led climate action in the capital.

The event brought together over 150 young people from across London to explore this year’s theme: Nature Unlocked. Hosted at the Huxley Lecture Theatre, the morning kicked off with an opening speech from Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London, followed by a panel of trailblazers redefining who belongs in nature, featuring powerful voices from across the youth climate space. After that, the crowd split across four buzzing networking zones covering green careers, local policy, community building and climate storytelling. There was no shortage of ideas, energy or real talk, just a room full of young people asking the right questions and pushing for action.

FFF were out in Regent’s Park running a 5-a-side game as one of the official breakout sessions. It wasn’t just a match, but a space to connect, move, chat, and show how football can break down barriers.

And yes, we actually played. On a sweltering June morning, with full pitch-side chat about football’s role in climate education, inclusive movements, and everything in between. Final score? 5–3. But let’s be honest, it was all about the post-match one-step penalty shootout. Chaos. Drama. No balls lost to the bushes. A miracle.

We had brilliant players from all walks of life who weren’t afraid to get stuck in, get sweaty, and bring real joy to the space. Shout out to everyone who came down and made it what it was.

We used the session to explore how football can unlock different kinds of climate conversations - more open, less preachy. Movement on point, no PowerPoint. Whether a lover of the game, a participant in the occasional kickabout, or someone who just comes to hang out, football gives everyone a way in. It’s a powerful way to open up the climate conversation and make it feel more accessible.

As FFF Education Officer Luke Bajic put it:

“I loved chatting with people from all walks of life about their teams, memories, and love for the game. It just showed how one shared passion can cut through barriers and bring people together instantly.”

A big thank you to Earth Minutes for inviting us in, and to Nuriya, Emma and Amelia for making it all run so smoothly. And of course, to everyone who turned up and played their part.