Football builds climate resilience

A Move for the Planet project in Vietnam

In the breathtaking mountains of northern Vietnam, communities in Ha Giang province are facing the harsh impacts of climate change . Frequent landslides, flash floods, and prolonged droughts are disrupting daily life by damaging homes, limiting access to clean water, and making it increasingly difficult for children to learn, play, and grow in safe environments. In these vulnerable conditions, it is often girls, women, and children who are most affected.

Despite these challenges, there lies a powerful opportunity to build resilience through sport and education. 

In partnership with adidas and Common Goal, Football For All in Vietnam is launching the second phase of its Climate Literacy Project – an initiative that reimagines football as a tool for environmental change, climate education, and community strength. 

Climate adapted infrastructure in schools:  

The heart of the project is the transformation of the sports field at Thuong Son Ethnic Semi-Boarding Secondary School into a climate-resilient, multifunctional space. With over 250 students attending the school annually, the upgraded pitch will serve as a vital hub for physical activity and environmental learning. 

The renovations will include: 

• Levelling the pitch and building drainage ditches to manage excess water effectively. 

• Constructing embankments to protect against landslides and flash floods—one of which will also serve as seating for spectators. 

• Planting trees to offer natural shade and improve the climate resilience of the school environment. 

• Installing solar-powered lighting, allowing children to safely play into the evening while using clean energy. 

The pitch aims to stand as a safe, sustainable space for children to thrive.

Education on environmental sustainability through sports:  
 
Physical infrastructure is just one part of the project. More transformation will happen where education meets action at the Climate Literacy Project. 

Building on tools developed during MFTP 2024, the project will distribute the Games Book on Climate Change – a playful, engaging curriculum that brings environmental education to life through sport. This handbook will be printed and shared with 34 football clubs across Ha Giang province, giving coaches and young athletes new ways to explore climate topics together. 

In addition: 

• 14 football clubs will receive in-depth training on integrating climate literacy into their activities. 

• 34 Fun Football Festivals will be held, aiming to create moments of joy, learning, and community pride. 

• Regular training sessions, led by trained coaches, will take place twice a week for eight months, combining football skills with life lessons in resilience, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.