Northampton Saints have made an adjustment to how EcoCups will be used and returned around cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens ahead of the 2024/25 season.
As part of the Club’s ongoing sustainability efforts, EcoCups have been used throughout the ground for several seasons to reduce Saints’ reliance on single-use plastics.
Previously, supporters would pay an EcoCup deposit of £1 upon the purchase of drinks at the stadium – with that money either refunded via payment card at till points upon the EcoCup’s return, or kindly donated to Northampton Saints Foundation via branded return bins around the Gardens.
However, from this weekend’s preseason match against Leinster onwards, the Club will no longer be charging a £1 deposit fee for EcoCups, having listened to supporter feedback.
EcoCups can still be returned directly to bars or to dedicated EcoCup return bins located around cinch Stadium, with no refund now required on the cups.
“EcoCups remain a very important element of our approach to sustainability, and we will continue to eliminate as many single-use plastic products from our stadium bars, catering units, and retail store as possible,” said Saints’ Chief Operating Officer, Julia Chapman.
“However, the previous model had its flaws, with supporters effectively having to queue twice to first purchase a drink and then to return their cups for a refund – negatively impacting the overall matchday experience. So, we have made this decision with this front of mind.
“We’re very optimistic that this new system will have a positive impact for our supporters, and by adding the new ‘One for the Foundation’ initiative, we can continue to support the incredible work done by Northampton Saints Foundation throughout the season.”
Julia Chapman, COO at Saints
ONE FOR THE FOUNDATION
With EcoCup refunds no longer available to donate to Northampton Saints Foundation on matchdays, the Club are excited to introduce an alternative; ‘One for the Foundation’.
At all stadium bars, supporters will have the option to add ‘One for the Foundation’ to their drink/food orders, with £1 being added to their order total and donated straight to the Club’s charity. New QR codes will also be scannable within the stadium so supporters can donate directly to the Foundation via their mobile devices.
Northampton Saints Foundation was established in 2018 and ever since has been using the power of sport and the values of rugby to inspire, support and educate thousands of young people.
Their education and social inclusion programmes had more than 7,000 participants last year, inspiring often vulnerable young people in Northamptonshire and beyond to learn, develop new skills, increase confidence and where appropriate return to education, training or employment – with past and present Saints Ethan Waller, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, and Tom James all acting as ambassadors.
‘Foundation Day’, an annual event held on one Northampton Saints matchday per season, shines a light on the charity and has helped to raise almost £180,000 since 2021. But the Foundation also relies on regular donations and other fundraising activity from the Club’s supporters, local businesses and the wider community to continue to deliver its life-changing activities.
“We’re delighted the Club have offered to continue to support us throughout the season via this new ‘One for the Foundation’ initiative,” said Catherine Deans, Managing Director at Northampton Saints Foundation.
“Donations from EcoCup returns were an important source of income for us, and we’re confident Saints supporters will get behind this new method of supporting us on matchdays.”
Catherine Deans, Managing Director at Northampton Saints Foundation
“We’d love to achieve the equivalent of a sold-out cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in ‘One for the Foundation’ donations across the course of the season – 15,153.
“We’re very excited to kick off this new initiative at this weekend’s preseason match against Leinster. All supporters have to do is ask for ‘One for the Foundation’ to be added to their order, and the stadium’s bar staff will take care of the rest.”
