The WFSGI Sustainability Academy is a new online learning platform designed to help the global sporting goods sector build practical ESG expertise.
The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) has launched the WFSGI Sustainability Academy, a first-of-its-kind learning platform aimed at accelerating sustainability knowledge across the global sporting goods industry. Developed in partnership with XU Group and powered by EY’s Sustainability and Sports Content, the initiative responds to growing pressure on brands and manufacturers to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
How it works
The academy offers structured learning across six key areas: Environment, Social, Governance, Implementation Roadmaps, Sustainable Value Creation, and Fundamentals of Sustainability. Content is delivered through masterclasses, micro-learning modules, interactive videos, and case studies, with certification available upon completion. Optional live sessions and custom content creation via XU Group’s AI Content Factory allow companies to tailor training to their needs.
Key features and member benefits
The academy will cover EU compliance requirements—including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)—alongside sustainable procurement, circular economy models, climate strategies, and digital tools such as carbon accounting. Curriculum spans boardroom to shop floor, aiming to establish shared ESG literacy across organizations.
WFSGI members gain preferential licensing and discounted access. The federation positions the platform as a way to internalize sustainability expertise and reduce consultant dependency, though scalability and adoption rates across a fragmented global supply chain remain to be tested.
Afsah Alumia-Khan, WFSGI’s Head of ESG Strategy, described internal capability-building as “a critical priority” for members, framing the academy as “an investment in the long-term resilience and responsibility of our industry.” Dr Christopher Jahns, XU Group CEO, emphasised the platform’s potential to turn “knowledge into measurable transformation”—a claim that will likely face scrutiny as companies navigate tightening regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
About XU Group
Founded in Germany, XU Group specializes in Education-as-a-Service solutions for digital and sustainability transformation. Its platforms combine interactive learning design, AI-driven content creation, and scalable delivery models to help organizations upskill workforces efficiently. XU Group partners with leading corporations and industry bodies to provide modern, practical training that drives measurable impact.
See also the official announcement of the academy via wfsgi.org
