In the sporting heart of the country, community football clubs are often the lifeblood of towns like Mansfield.

They are where champions are forged, communities rally, and the spirit of the game thrives.

But as our climate changes, these grassroots institutions are facing unprecedented challenges, both on the field and to their bottom line.

Rising energy costs and the growing threat of extreme weather events—from floods and droughts to bushfires—are putting immense pressure on volunteer-run clubs across the country.

Since 2020, a staggering 595 community clubs nationwide have needed financial support from the AFL due to climate impacts.

But here in Mansfield, the local football and netball club is leading the charge assisted by Footy for Climate and the organisation’s groundbreaking solution, the “Power Forward” initiative.

The Mansfield Football and Netball Club has become the first in the state and the country to install a comprehensive solar and battery storage system, a project that is already transforming their operations.

President of the Mansfield Football Netball Club, Bo Christopher said they were thrilled to be chosen as the first club in Australia to work with Footy for Climate and have the system installed free of charge.

The installation, a 29.04kW solar system with 40.3kWh of battery storage, is expected to slash the club’s annual energy bill by around 90 per cent, from $9000 to just $900.

"It will allow us to achieve a reduction in our energy costs as well as take 740 tonnes of emissions out of the environment over the project’s lifecycle," said Christopher.

"The dramatic reduction in costs also frees up vital funds to be reinvested into the club itself.

"It means the club can spend more on players, coaching and improving facilities.

"We are proud that an AFL community club like Mansfield can be at the forefront in practical climate action."

And although Lex Lynch from Footy for Climate said the money saved will be a gamechanger, the initiative isn't just about saving money.

"It's also about building a stronger, more resilient club for the community," he said.

The Power Forward initiative, founded in the wake of the Black Summer bushfires, is Footy for Climate’s flagship program.

It was a direct response to the impact of extreme weather on sport, with current Melbourne Football Club player and co-founder Tom Campbell noting that while professional teams could train indoors, hundreds of community clubs couldn’t, and games were being cancelled due to the weather.

The Mansfield demonstration project has been pivotal in proving that clean energy is a practical and effective solution for local clubs.

"Mansfield has set the precedent for over 4,000 other clubs in Australia," said Lynch.

"We’re showing that clubs can build resilience against future climate challenges and gain energy independence at the same time."

The Mansfield Football and Netball Club was chosen for the inaugural project due to its belief in and support for the project and the fact it had no existing solar panels.

"All the club had to commit was time and enthusiasm," said Lynch.

It shows that when a community works together, anything is possible.

Beyond the financial benefits, the environmental impact of the project is significant.

Over its lifetime, the system is projected to avoid 37 tonnes of CO2 annually, an environmental saving equivalent to planting 7,093 trees or avoiding over a million car kilometres.

The project’s success has already set the stage for a staggered rollout across other Victorian townships before the initiative goes national.

Footy for Climate aims to reach 500 clubs by 2030, with a goal of delivering $5 million in annual energy savings and reducing carbon emissions by 15,000 tonnes per year.

The initiative is also looking to incorporate water management and building resilience into its future plans.

Mansfield's role as a leader in this movement was celebrated with a community event last Tuesday, bringing together players, supporters, and residents with over 100 in attendance to see firsthand how practical climate solutions are strengthening the local community.

It was a testament to the idea that when local institutions like footy clubs lead by example, entire communities follow.

"This is about more than just solar panels," Lynch said.

"It's about communities taking practical action to secure the future of their sporting institutions and ensure the next generation can continue to play the game we all love at a strong, sustainable club."