**Elle McDonald Champions Eco-Focus as Cardiff Dragons Netball Club’s Pioneering Sustainability Officer**
In a first for the Netball Super League, LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons has appointed Elle McDonald as the organisation’s initial sustainability officer, marking a significant step towards environmental consciousness within the sport. McDonald, who balances her responsibilities on the court as a mid-courter, is leading the charge for green initiatives as the club gears up for the 2025 season.
The move places the Welsh franchise at the forefront of sustainability efforts not just within netball, but professional sport more broadly — a reflection of a growing awareness of environmental impact across the industry. McDonald’s dedication extends beyond her own actions, as she works to inspire teammates, club staff, and the wider Dragons community to consider their ecological footprint.
Speaking about her new role, McDonald explained: “Taking on the sustainability officer position means I can advocate directly to my fellow players and everyone within our club to adopt greener behaviours. Our focus is on manageable, meaningful steps that cumulatively lead to broader change. Although I come from a teaching background, the growing concerns about sustainability made it a cause I couldn’t ignore.”
McDonald’s journey into this unique role began through conversations with her club late last year. She encountered a strong sentiment among stakeholders passionate about sustainability, which led to the creation of a player-led advocacy position—a first in the league. “It’s a responsibility I’m proud to carry,” she adds, “and I want to encourage not only change within our team, but across the entire league. Even small actions can spark a significant positive impact.”
On the court, Cardiff Dragons made headlines recently by participating in the first-ever extra-time period in Netball Super League history. In a dramatic finish, they were edged out by the London Mavericks 72–61 after a 55–55 tie at the end of regular time. Nevertheless, McDonald remains focused on her dual mission—excelling in competition while advancing environmental wellbeing off the court.
For McDonald, the values of sustainability blend seamlessly with the principles of high-performance sport. “As athletes, prioritising our health is key, and that links to reducing environmental toxins and making thoughtful choices around travel and nutrition,” she explained. One of her key initiatives is promoting sustainable transportation to matches. “We encourage supporters to use public transport, walk, cycle, or carpool when attending events,” McDonald outlined, emphasising the environmental and community benefits.
Nutrition is another focus area for the Dragons and their new sustainability leader. McDonald points to the importance of supporting local, organic producers as a way to cut down food miles and support sustainable agriculture. The team is also collaborating with Grassboots, a platform for buying and selling pre-loved sports gear, enabling fans and players alike to minimise waste while supporting local charities if they choose to donate profits from sales.
Additionally, Cardiff Dragons have been rolling out grassroots activities such as community litter picking, aiming to embed the ethos of environmental stewardship into the very heart of the club’s culture. McDonald believes that these incremental changes, when championed by both the team and its supporters, can build lasting momentum for sustainability.
Reflecting on her involvement, McDonald encourages the club’s followers to embrace the same commitment. “We’re hoping our efforts will inspire our fan base to think differently about their environmental choices,” she stated, reinforcing her belief in the collective power of community-driven activism.
With the 2025 Netball Super League season underway, Cardiff Dragons are not just playing for points—they are pioneering new ground in responsible sporting practice. As the Dragons prepare for their upcoming encounter with newcomers Birmingham Panthers, all eyes are on McDonald and her team, both for their actions on the court and their dedication to preserving the world beyond it.