CSR and ESG in Sport Conference – a summary of the event that brought together key sectors of sport at Cracovia Stadium
The CSR and ESG in Sport Conference has now concluded and has established itself as one of the most significant events in the national discussion on the responsible development of Polish sport. The event was accompanied by the third edition of Sport Students’ MeetUp 2025, which gathered students from across the country interested in pursuing careers in the sports industry.
This joint initiative by the Institute for Sport Governance (ISG) and KS Cracovia SA demonstrated the immense value of collaboration between clubs, academia, business and civil society organizations.
Ekstraklasa clubs’ responsibility – key findings from ISG’s latest analysis
One of the highlights of the Conference was the presentation delivered by PhD Paweł Zembura, who unveiled the latest results of the ISG study on the social responsibility of PKO BP Ekstraklasa clubs for the 2024/25 season. The study covers, among others:
• clubs’ social initiatives,
• environmental actions,
• cooperation with fans and local communities,
• governance standards and management processes,
• accessibility and transparency of CSR/ESG activities.
This year’s top-performing clubs were:
- RTS Widzew Łódź
- KS Cracovia SA
- Lechia Gdańsk
The results underscore the growing importance of responsibility in the strategic operations of Polish football clubs and their commitment to long-term actions that go beyond the sporting dimension. The ISG analysis became a starting point for a broader discussion on how clubs can increase their positive impact, transparency and social credibility.
Substantive panels – dialogue that truly matters
During the Conference, two in-depth panel discussions brought together a wide range of perspectives and sectors:
Panel I: The environmental impact of sport and pathways towards sustainable development
Experts discussed the relationship between sport and ecology, the need to reduce environmental footprint, and practical ways in which clubs can implement pro-environmental measures — from infrastructure improvements to fan engagement and education.
Panel II: How to strategically leverage the potential of football and minimise ESG-related risks?
The discussion touched on long-term approaches to building responsibility within sports clubs and the development of comprehensive CSR and ESG programmes. Participants also explored issues related to reputational risks, governance challenges, and the role of football as a powerful tool for creating real, positive social change.
The panels featured representatives of:
🔸 Ekstraklasa
🔸 football clubs
🔸 Małopolski Football Association
🔸 Responsible Business Forum
🔸 the AGH University of Science and Technology
🔸 public institutions
🔸 the private sector
Such a diverse group of contributors highlighted how essential cross-sector collaboration is for fostering responsibility in sport.
Sport Students’ MeetUp 2025 – developing the next generation of sport leaders
The second half of the day was dedicated to the third edition of Sport Students’ MeetUp — the largest event in Poland for students aspiring to work in the sports industry. This initiative attracts young people who are eager to shape the future of sport and gain practical experience.
Thanks to the hospitality of KS Cracovia, participants were able to:
• visit the Cracovia Training Center,
• explore the daily work of operational, sporting and marketing departments,
• speak with professionals working within the club,
• take part in an integration match, which concluded with the awarding of commemorative medals.
This is not only an event but also a key element of ISG’s mission — to support young leaders, develop the competencies of future experts and build a community of individuals committed to transforming sport from within.
A strong lineup of speakers – knowledge, practice and inspiration
The Conference brought together a distinguished group of experts, including:
• Tomasz Marzec – ZIS Kraków
• Miłosz Marchlewicz – Responsible Business Forum
• Bartosz Ryt – President, Małopolski Football Association
• Prof. Joanna Kulczycka, PhD – AGH University of Science and Technology
• Dr Marcin Stefański – Chief Operating Officer, Ekstraklasa
• Dr Piotr Jaraszkiewicz – CSR Lead, Lech Poznań
• Dr Mateusz Dróżdż – President, KS Cracovia SA
• Dr Agnieszka Nowaczek – AGH University of Science and Technology
Their expertise demonstrated that responsibility in sport is more than a concept — it involves concrete decisions, processes and actions that shape organisations, communities and the broader sports landscape.
Together we build the future of responsible sport
The Conference and Sport Students’ MeetUp once again proved that the future of sport relies on cooperative efforts across clubs, academia, business, NGOs and young leaders. Collaboration, dialogue and openness are the foundation of the changes needed to make sport more ethical, transparent and socially responsible.
ISG extends its thanks to all speakers, partners, participants and volunteers for their involvement and for co-creating this important event. Together, we are building standards that truly strengthen Polish sport.
