NEW PROJECT ALERT: From the UK & Germany to the world

Leicester Nirvana FC and SG Eintracht Peitz e.V. Peitz have been keeping a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) diary which captures experiences of sustainability challenges and successes. The journal also reports impacts of the weather on football operations over time, alongside other issues that affect community clubs including players’ health, financial welfare, partnerships, education and future ambitions. This data is then analyzed to identify patterns in challenges and ways to overcome them to develop policies and toolkits, enabling more clubs to become sustainable. 

After completing successful pilot, which has identified and improved problems highlighted during the journaling process, the project is now open to participation for more United Nations Football For The Goals members worldwide.

Dr. Mark Charlton of De Montfort University, who has co-developed the research project with myself (Ivan Liburd) of Leicester Nirvana FC and Sebastian Bubner of SG Eintracht Peitz, said:

“Piloting the research over the past three months has already produced impactful results and informed how the project moves forward. For example, analysis of the data shows both clubs have made progress across environmental, social, educational, and community-focused aspects of the SDGs, despite facing financial and resource-related challenges. Without their efforts, the findings show their communities in the UK and Germany would face environmental degradation, reduced access to sports, weakened social cohesion, and missed development opportunities. The evidence so far indicates their work goes far beyond football - it strengthens resilience, fosters equality, and builds a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Our History is Part of the City

Leicester Nirvana Football Club has been a heritage panel by Leicester City Council to mark our rich history in the city. It is located at our home ground at Hamilton Park.

Leicester’s heritage information panels are part of the city council’s Story of Leicester project, that brings to life the city’s colourful 2,000-year history by remembering the people, places and events of Leicester’s recent and distant past. The colourful information panels give residents and visitors to the city the chance to find out more about Leicester’s extensive history from Roman times, through the Middle Ages, the city’s manufacturing, engineering and transport history, the Victorian era and beyond.

Special Recognition Award for Zak

Zak Hajat, Leicester Nirvana Chair received a prestigious Special Recognition Award, honoring his exceptional contributions to grassroots football. The award was presented at our home ground in Hamilton by the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA (LRCFA). The award celebrates the hard work of volunteers who impact local sports. Zak's dedication exemplifies the spirit of grassroots football, earning him a well-deserved place among the 17 individuals recognised for their outstanding achievements this year.

Empowering Women and Girls Through Football and Well-Being Support

At Leicester Nirvana, we are dedicated to championing the empowerment of women and girls through a diverse array of initiatives that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and personal growth. Our mission is clear: to support females in discovering and realising their highest potential, both on and off the football pitch.

Our flagship programs include:

Girls

Nirvana Girls Football, which offers young girls aged 5 to 14 a unique opportunity to engage in the beautiful game in a welcoming and inclusive environment tailored exclusively for them. Through our Wildcats and Squad Girls Football sessions, we provide regular chances for girls to partake in football, gaining a sense of camaraderie, skill development, and fun. Our coaching approach prioritises fun and holistic child development, led by skilled FA-qualified or in-training coaches who prioritise child safety and well-being. Each session is designed to be an enriching experience where young players can grow physically, socially, and emotionally, learning life-enhancing values such as respect, teamwork, confidence, and self-belief along the way.

Women

Beyond our youth programs, Leicester Nirvana has expanded its outreach to women through partnerships such as the collaboration with Rara Avis FC, offering both participation and competitive football sessions twice a week. This initiative aims to create a space where women can flourish and excel in the sport they are passionate about. As well as sessions dedicated to having fun and taking part in physical activity. Whatever the reason, there is a place for you here.

Wellbeing

Moreover, recognising the importance of holistic well-being, Leicester Nirvana has joined forces with Womentum to establish a dedicated women-only well-being morning, offering a safe and supportive environment for women to connect, converse, and engage in physical activities at their own pace.

These diverse opportunities and safe spaces for women are instrumental in reshaping perceptions and transforming spaces into positive, empowering environments. By providing avenues for women and girls to participate, grow, and thrive, Leicester Nirvana are showing the commitment to building a culture of inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment in our community.

For more information on how you or your child can join our empowering programs, contact;

• Girl’s football lnfcsecretary@gmail.com

• Women’s football raraavislc@gmail.com

• Women’s wellbeing womentumcic@yahoo.com

Together, let’s inspire and uplift women and girls to reach greater heights, both in the world of football and beyond.

Leicester Nirvana Shortlisted for Sport Positive Awards 2024

Leicester Nirvana Football Club has been named as a distinguished shortlist nominee for the esteemed Sport Positive Awards 2024, a global platform celebrating the exceptional contributions of organisations and individuals leveraging the influence of sport to address pressing environmental issues, such as the climate and biodiversity crises, and championing environmental and climate justice.

The Sport Positive Awards recognise outstanding achievements within the sport and sustainability sector, highlighting transformative initiatives that drive positive change worldwide. Leicester Nirvana's commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and purpose-led partnerships aligns closely with the awards' dedication to honoring leaders at the forefront of sustainable practices in global sport.

Established categories for the Sport Positive Awards 2024, including Transformation, Climate Impact Reduction, Community Initiative, Education and Training, Purpose-led Partnership, Biodiversity Project, Next Generation Trailblazer, and more, underscore the diverse spectrum of impactful efforts being acknowledged during the prestigious event.

"We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Sport Positive Awards 2024. To be recognised on a global scale for the effort and work we have achieved towards our sustainable ambitions is brilliant. We are passionate about sustainable development goals and have embedded them across our club. Hopefully we can inspire others to do the same." said Zak Hajat, Chair of Leicester Nirvana.

Winners of the Sport Positive Awards will be revealed at a grand ceremony held at The Kia Oval on the evening of Tuesday, 8th October, where nominees and others will come together to celebrate and honor the global impact of sustainable practices within the sport industry.

Leicester Nirvana embraces this prestigious nomination with gratitude and enthusiasm, acknowledging the collective efforts that have propelled the club into the distinguished shortlist for the 2024 Sport Positive Awards.

For more information on Leicester Nirvana Football Club and their sustainability initiatives, please visit the dedicated sustainability page http://www.leicesternirvana.com/net-zero