Town fans can save money and sample the delights of Bristol’s local eateries, all while helping the environment.
As part of the Sustainable Stadium Campaign, the Huddersfield Town Supporters’ Association (HTSA) has teamed up with Pledgeball, an organisation that encourages football fans “to make small, easy changes to their lifestyle to collectively have a big impact on the planet.”
Pledgeball Fixture vs. Bristol City (A)
On Saturday, 18th December, Town face Bristol City on the pitch. Off the pitch, Town fans have an opportunity to take on City fans in a ‘pledge-off’, with both sides aiming to save the most carbon emissions. At the end of the week, Town will place in the Pledgeball League, which currently includes fanbases from 24 other clubs. We’re currently in 7th, having saved an incredible 81,611 CO²e per year. That puts us four places behind the Robins.
How Can Fans Get Involved?
All fans have to do is go to the Pledgeball website and pick one or more pledges for the Bristol City game (and hopefully follow them through). We’ve selected three pledges below as examples to give fans an idea of what they can do. We’ve included recommendations that can help fans achieve their goals.
And remember, if you make a pledge, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win signed Town merchandise.
Pledge Ideas and How to Achieve Them
1. Go vegan for two days a week
We’ve seen Bristol described as an “eclectic and bohemian” metropolis, believe it or not, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a decent vegan bistro. And while we’ve never heard similar descriptions levelled at Huddersfield, you still won’t struggle to tick off day two.
Recommendations: There are loads restaurants within walking distance of Ashton Gate that offer good vegan food. Try Souk Kitchen, North Street Pizza Workshop, La Mediterranean, or The Malago. For Huddersfield, take a trip to Döner Summer, a “vegan junk food” eatery that’s just moved into the Parish’s old premises on Kirkgate. It also has a great new bar, Venn Street Social, that serves beer, ales, cocktails, and spirits. Arcade Coffee and Food, meanwhile, is located on the ground floor of the Byram Arcade. It serves reasonably priced vegetarian and vegan dishes, including breakfast, all day brunch, and a selection of seasonal light lunches. You could also try The Peppercorn, a highly rated vegetarian friendly café on Trinity Street.
2. Use public transport instead of driving
According to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (a lot of things to pack into one department), a petrol car has a carbon footprint of 192 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre. A bus, on the other hand, tots up 105 grams and a national rail journey just 41 grams.
Recommendations: There are plenty of options for this pledge. For a start, the club is providing coach travel directly to the stadium, priced at £27 per person. If that doesn’t appeal, you can get the train to Temple Meads station and then hop on a bus straight to Ashton Gate. The Bristol City website has a lot of information about different transport options. It’s well worth a read.
3. Use an eco-cup (travel mug) for hot drinks on the go
Cheap, easy, and a money saver in the long run.
Recommendations: You can buy eco cups all over the place.
How Else Can Fans Help?
You can help the Sustainable Stadium Campaign in two main ways.
First, by sharing our articles and social media posts. And if you feel strongly, let the club know that you support the campaign and are glad they do, too.
Second, if you want to become more actively involved, email contact[at]htsa-web.com, and we'll invite you to participate in our Sustainable Stadium Campaign Working Group.
And remember, we’re running a new membership scheme: you can join HTSA for just £1, and if you work in the NHS, emergency services, a school or the armed forces, membership is free! Existing members can also extend their membership for free.