The eyes of the world will be on the US (as well as Canada and Mexico) next summer as the country hosts the FIFA World Cup. The biggest and most prestigious event in international football, most of the world’s best players will be competing at the tournament, and fans from across the globe will be coming to be part of the extravaganza.
Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta will be the destination for many fans intent on being a part of history. But there is one city a lot closer to home that is playing its own oversized role in the story of football – and sports as a whole. It may not be highlighted on many of the sports betting Vermont sites quite yet, but Burlington is gaining quite a name for itself thanks to the local football club.
Vermont Green only kicked its first competitive ball four years ago but it is now known worldwide for its commitment to climate justice and environmental values. It has become a club that is leading the way – and the fact that it has just won a national championship probably means that even more people will soon have heard of their accomplishments and goals for the future.
Sustainability is Key
Only perceived as a concept during the days of the pandemic lockdown, Vermont Green is now at the forefront of environmentally sound sports clubs and has proudly declared that climate justice is its core and central mission. Inspired by England’s Forest Green Rovers (considered the greenest club in the world), Vermont Green is beginning to inspire others from much further afield.
Vermont is probably one of the most ideal places to base an environmentally conscious football club but it is still gratifying to see just how much the local population has come on board with central beliefs. The theme nights are still going strong and the fans fully embrace the message, as well as the football on show.
Everything Greenwashing is Not
Being “green” and announcing environmental programs is not unusual in sports, of course. Most professional clubs talk about what they do to promote climate-friendly initiatives and thinking. But there are also plenty of accusations of greenwashing, as sports organizations try to capitalize on sustainability-minded fans.
Unfortunately, there are those who are more inauthentic about their aims and beliefs, but that is one accusation that could never be levelled at Vermont Green. Sustainability runs through the heart of the club and that is why this amateur organization has been receiving plaudits from the global environmental industry.
Championship-Winning Team
Vermont Green may have been celebrated for its green credentials and its ability to inspire others to adopt climate justice programs, but it is now in an even better position to spread the word. Sports, after all, is a results-based business – and Vermont Green has now won its first-ever national championship, only four years after its launch.
After qualifying for the playoffs in two of the previous three seasons, Vermont Green went through the entire 2025 USL League Two regular season unbeaten, claiming the Northeast Division title in the process. Then came four postseason knockout wins before a National Final against Ballard FC of Seattle. In front of a 5,000 capacity crowd (the club claims it could have sold three times that number of tickets), Vermont Green scored a stoppage time winner to become national champs.
Celebrity Fans
The Los Angeles Lakers have long attracted celebrity fans, with the likes of Jack Nicholson watching courtside. Football is now big business in the US as well and there are MLS clubs owned or part-owned by actors, such as Austin FC and Matthew McConaughey. Vermont, being Vermont, does things a little differently.
Local favorite Bernie Sanders has been a fan since the club was formed, and has taken part in game day activities on a number of occasions, while local musician Noah Kahan has partnered with the club to promote his mental health initiative. Those connections will give newcomers a taste of how celebrities and Vermont Green work together in a different way than the more common publicity-seeking escapades of actors and sports teams in larger media markets.
Burlington: Soccer City USA
It may not be the biggest city in the country, but Burlington can surely now lay claim to be Soccer City, USA.Vermont Green’s recent on-field success has only highlighted its importance to the sport. Hopefully, there will be more championships to come but it is what the co-owners said after the win that really hits home.
Signing off the season, the co-owners said on the club’s website that, “Vermont soccer fans are proving that our values do not have to be checked at the door. Fans have proven that climate-consciousness, anti-racism, environmental stewardship, and community organizing are not taboo subjects to be avoided”. It is that kind of thinking that has spread the word about Vermont Green – and has turned this small club from the Green Mountain State into a global inspiration.
