Pitches in peril: How climate change is threatening football

The findings, unveiled during the premiere of the documentary Pitches in Peril: Mathare 4A, screened on June 23 by UK not-for-profit Football for Future and Danish humanitarian organisation DanChurchAid, at an event hosted by the British High Commission Nairobi show that climate change is already affecting community football pitches and could significantly worsen in the coming decades.

By 2100, rainfall during major storms affecting the area could increase by as much as 68 per cent. The analysis highlights growing heat and water pressures. Heat stress – a measure of how extreme heat is experienced by people – is projected to double by 2040. 

By 2100, rising temperatures could result in 17 days each year when extreme heat disrupts football activity, while water stress is projected to increase by 345%, creating additional challenges for maintaining community pitches.

The findings were presented in the documentary ‘Pitches in Peril: Mathare 4A’, screened on 23 June by UK not-for-profit Football for Future and Danish humanitarian organization DanChurchAid, at an event hosted by the British High Commission Nairobi.

The event brought together a unique mix of climate experts, football leaders, and representatives from the Governments of Kenya, Denmark, and the UK to kick-off discussions about how climate adaptation could be the legacy of AFCON 2027.

The documentary focusses on the severe floods that swept through Nairobi's Mathare community in 2024, which damaged homes, claimed lives, and left one of the area's most important football pitches under water.

The Mathare community consistently produces players across a range of sports who go on to compete at national and international level.

Community pitches such as Mathare 4A are essential to nurturing that talent - offering young people a social anchor, a way to stay healthy, and develop the skills they need to compete for sports scholarships.

The documentary follows Meschack Ochieng, a professional footballer in the Kenyan Premier League who currently plays for Sofapaka FC.

Meshack and other community leaders reflect on the impact of flooding and the growing challenges facing the Mathare community, who are already on the frontline of climate change.

Meshack Ochieng, professional footballer, said: “For many of us, pitches like Mathare 4A are where everything begins. It’s where young people find purpose, build friendships and believe in themselves.

“Communities like Mathare are strong and resilient, but when those spaces are affected by extreme weather, it’s not just football that is lost - it’s opportunity. Protecting these pitches means protecting the next generation of talent.”

Elliot Arthur-Worsop, Founder, Football for Future, said: “Mathare 4A reminds us that the future of football is not only decided in stadiums. It is shaped on community pitches, in local neighbourhoods and through the opportunities football creates for young people every day.

“As East Africa prepares to host AFCON 2027, we have a unique opportunity to ensure the tournament leaves a legacy that strengthens and protects the places where the game begins.”

Jonas Vejsager Nøddekær, Secretary General of DanChurchAid, said: “The story from Mathare reminds us that adaptation is not an abstract concept. It is about protecting people's lives, opportunities and futures. Climate impacts are already affecting communities around the world, and adaptation needs far greater political attention and financial support.

"Whether we are protecting homes, schools, farms or football pitches, investing in adaptation is investing in people's ability to live safely and with dignity in a changing climate.”

Matt Baugh, British High Commissioner to Kenya, said: “Tonight's event is about a very simple question: how can a football pitch help drive climate action in Kenya? A pitch is more than a place to play.

“This event reflects the UK’s commitment to work with Kenya to support communities adapt to climate change. We have brought together governments, sport, and community foundations in partnership to help shape a legacy: of how these pitches, the grassroots and foundations of our sport, are protected for the future.”

It is not just Kenya that is under threat. As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup 2026, Football for Future’s ‘Pitches in Peril’ report reveals that 14 of 16 World Cup stadiums had exceeded safe-play thresholds for at least three major climate hazards in 2025: extreme heat, unplayable rainfall, and flooding.

The event was attended by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, FKF President Hussein Mohammed and former Kenyan international Victor Wanyama.