Arsenal defender Bellerin buys stake in eco-friendly team

By: The Associated Press Posted: 6:50 AM CDT Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2020 Last Modified: 6:50 AM CDT Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2020

LONDON - Arsenal and Spain defender Hector Bellerin has invested to become the second largest shareholder at Forest Green Rovers, the English fourth division club renowned for its environmental activism.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/09/2020 (2202 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LONDON – Arsenal and Spain defender Hector Bellerin has invested to become the second largest shareholder at Forest Green Rovers, the English fourth division club renowned for its environmental activism.

Rovers are recognized by FIFA and the United Nations as the world’s greenest football club.

Chairman Dale Vince, a green energy industrialist, has introduced eco-friendly elements at the club in southwest England such as solar panels on its New Lawn stadium, the use of a solar-powered robot grass mower, and the creation of the world’s first organic soccer pitch.

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, left, challenges for the ball with Arsenal's Hector Bellerin during the FA Cup final soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley stadium in London, England, Saturday, Aug.1, 2020. (Catherine Ivill/Pool via AP)

Like Bellerin, Rovers are vegan and became the world’s first carbon neutral sports club in 2017.

Bellerin, who recently raised money to plant 60,000 trees in the Amazon rainforest, will work with Vince in a new relationship with the aim to help raise the environmental agenda in football among clubs, leagues and supporters.

“So many people feel there’s no solution to the world’s problems, but Forest Green are already doing plenty — and showing others the way,” the 25-year-old Bellerin said. “I’m so excited to be part of the FGR family. I’ll be helping where I can, supporting people who want to change the world for the better.”