The sports industry has the ability to impact and influence our communities and many sports organizations are evaluating their environmental impacts. One way the industry is changing is through the promotion of healthy and sustainable communities.

In today’s world of sports, managers must be aware of all components of their organization, including their ability to impact and influence our communities. University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County and the UF College of Health and Human Performance realize this, and the university has developed coursework for its Online Master’s in Sports Management program.

Environmental Sports Management (SPM6905) is the first online course of its kind to be offered within a land grant university’s sports management program. The education is focused on integrating major concepts in environmental sustainability such as renewable energy, water conservation, recycling and social responsibility, and apply it to the sports industry. Through case studies, in-class discussions and practical exercises, students gain an understanding of the components of a successful sustainability program and learn how they can collaborate to solve important environmental issues impacting the sports industry today.

The inaugural course, offered in the 2019 autumn session, highlights course modules focused on making a case for sustainability in sports, strategic planning and marketing through sports, professional and collegiate sports sustainability programs, among others. This program spawned from a partnership created at the Green Sports Alliance Summit between UF/IFAS and Seattle University’s sustainable sports certificate program.