Budafok, Hungary – Young footballers in Budafok traded their cleats for gloves and trash bags on Wednesday afternoon, participating in a community cleanup effort along an 800-meter stretch of the Duna-part bicycle path. The initiative, a collaboration between the Budafoki LC Tehetségközpont youth academy and the Forever Green sustainability platform, underscores a growing commitment within the sport to extend teamwork beyond the pitch and embrace environmental responsibility.
The cleanup wasn’t solely a local effort. Javier López Alonso, Sport Project Coordinator for Real Betis Academy, joined the players and coaches during a professional visit focused on strengthening the partnership between the two clubs. López Alonso’s participation highlighted the importance he places on actively contributing to community initiatives, demonstrating a shared value system between the Hungarian and Spanish organizations.
Beyond Aesthetics: A Lesson in Community Responsibility
Volunteers collected dozens of large bags filled with litter that not only marred the landscape but also posed a direct environmental threat to the green space bordering the popular bicycle path. The action’s significance, organizers say, lies in its demonstration that teamwork isn’t confined to the football field. It’s about taking ownership and responsibility for the well-being of the community, both on and off the pitch.
This cleanup marks the first in a series of planned “green programs” organized by the Budafoki LC Tehetségközpont and Forever Green, aiming to establish regular environmental action days throughout Budafok. The initiative reflects a broader trend within European football to address sustainability and engage with local communities.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The connection between Budafoki LC Tehetségközpont and Real Betis began in the summer of 2025 with a three-day football camp, largely facilitated by Horváth Gergely Áron, a television journalist and dedicated Real Betis fan. What started as a camp has evolved into a four-year comprehensive professional collaboration. The partnership prioritizes not only high-level football training but also the cultivation of strong community values.
“The partnership with Real Betis doesn’t end with training sessions,” explained Markovics József, President of the Budafoki LC Tehetségközpont. “We are building a community where young people learn that wearing the Budafok jersey comes with responsibility – on the field, and off. This joint cleanup was the first step on a longer journey to shape our environment and the mindset of our children.”
Rafael Muela, Director of the Real Betis Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Green living starts in our neighborhood – that’s the motto of this year’s Forever Green campaign. In our collaboration with the people of Budafok, we’re not only sharing elements of Real Betis’ training methodology but also the values of our environmental platform. Our goal is for young footballers to understand that protecting our planet is the most important match we need to win.”
Forever Green: Real Betis’ Commitment to Sustainability
Forever Green, launched by Real Betis Balompié, leverages the popularity of football to combat climate change. The platform operates around five core pillars: circular economy, mobility, sustainable club management, biodiversity, and awareness-raising. According to a report by Brand Finance, Real Betis is the second most sustainable football club in Europe and a market leader in Spain in this area. Learn more about Forever Green here.
The Budafok-Tétény Municipality played a key role in facilitating the cleanup, and the event also drew the participation of Esteban Casado, a regional representative of LaLiga, further emphasizing the initiative’s significance. López Alonso presented Budafok-Tétény Mayor Karsay Ferenc with a “Budafok-Forever Green” jersey as a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of the growing bond between the Spanish club and the Hungarian town.
Looking Ahead
The Budafoki LC Tehetségközpont and Forever Green are planning further environmental initiatives in the coming months, with details to be announced by the municipality. The partnership aims to expand its reach, engaging more young players and community members in future cleanup efforts and sustainability projects. The next scheduled meeting between representatives from Budafoki LC and Real Betis to discuss the ongoing collaboration and future initiatives is slated for November 15th, according to club officials.
This collaborative effort demonstrates a growing recognition within the football world that responsibility extends beyond the game itself. By actively engaging in environmental stewardship, clubs like Real Betis and Budafoki LC are setting a positive example for their players and communities, fostering a culture of sustainability and civic engagement.
