Zig Zag bounces back with two new commissions for TNT Sports and BBC

Zig Zag is pleased to unveil its first two long-form commissions under its revamped brand: the groundbreaking TNT Sports documentary Playing for our Future and the return of The Football Academy for BBC.

In collaboration with discovery+ and TNT Sports, Zig Zag presents Playing for our Future, a compelling feature-length documentary investigating the impact of climate change on the world of sport. Fully funded by energy supplier Utilita, and crafted in collaboration with Infinitum Entertainment and the AMS Media Group, the project will extend its reach through short and mid-form content across linear, digital and social channels, featuring films spotlighting football, rugby, cricket, cycling, and motorsport.

Produced and directed by Dan Riley with Danny Fenton and Matt Graff as Executive Producers, Playing for our Future will premiere on April 1, 2025, at 10:30pm on TNT Sports 1 and stream on discovery+.

Presented by Reshmin Chowdhury, the film explores how severe weather conditions and global warming are disrupting everything from grassroots clubs to elite competitions. Featuring personal accounts from leading sporting figures and climate change experts, the documentary highlights the urgent need for sustainability and the positive role sport can play in tackling environmental issues.

Matt Graff, Managing Director, Zig Zag commented: 'We’re proud to kick off this exciting new chapter celebrating our tradition of pioneering storytelling. Playing for Our Future is premium factual content designed to engage across all platforms, uniting brands, broadcasters, and audiences to tackle sustainability in sport with an inclusive approach.

Our mission is to spotlight fresh perspectives across the sport and entertainment landscape, driven by Zig Zag's dedication to innovation and forging meaningful connections with audiences. Together, these values shape our vision for delivering impactful, boundary-pushing content that resonates like never before'.

Autumn 2025 will see the return of Zig Zag’s hit series The Football Academy, back for third a highly anticipated new season on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, now set in the prestigious Tottenham Hotspur Academy. Following the success of its first two seasons at Southampton FC, the series will continue to provide behind-the-scenes access to the lives of young players aged 9 to 17, including boys’, girls’, and club-run para teams. With world-class facilities and a high-profile North London setting, this season promises even greater drama, determination, and inspiration.

The 15 x 30-minute series is produced and directed by Will Innes, with Mark Rubens, Danny Fenton and Matt Graff as Executive Producers.

Danny Fenton, CEO of Zig Zag, said: 'The Football Academy has always been about celebrating the passion, perseverance, and potential of young athletes. Moving to Tottenham Hotspur Academy allows us to elevate this series, showcasing their journey at one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. We're proud to continue inspiring viewers with behind-the-scenes stories that embody determination, teamwork, and the future of the sport.

These two commissions perfectly embody the bold storytelling and creative vision at the heart of Zig Zag from addressing global challenges to celebrating human ambition and talent, this is just the beginning of our new era'.

 

LC