A season of power and purpose: How E.ON Next and Nottingham Forest lit up the year

When E.ON Next first joined forces with Nottingham Forest, it wasn’t just a sponsorship – it was a statement.

A declaration that energy – in all its forms – can drive real change.

From the roar of the City Ground to the first proud steps onto the Netball Super League court, this was a partnership rooted not only in sport, but in momentum, equality and belief.

And now, as the 2024/25 season draws to a close, it’s clear: this was a year that burned bright.

European dream reignited

At the heart of the story is the Forest men’s team – resurgent, relentless, and utterly revived.

Under Nuno Espírito Santo’s stewardship, Forest shattered expectations, finishing 7th in the Premier League and booking a long-awaited return to European competition.

It’s been nearly three decades since those famous European nights, but they’re back on the horizon now, thanks to the grit of players like Chris Wood and the unwavering pulse of a City Ground crowd that never lost faith

The 7–0 dismantling of Brighton in February was a line in the sand – a performance of power, unity, and belief.

It wasn’t just a win.

It was a warning to the continent: Forest are back, and they mean business.

Women on the rise

But perhaps no story this season was more electric than the rise of Nottingham Forest Women.

Undefeated.

Champions of the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.

And cup winners and promoted to the Women’s Championship.

The achievements alone are staggering – but the bigger story is one of professionalism, pride and purpose.

And it was thanks – in part – to E.ON Next’s ongoing support of the team, both financially and foundationally.

The women’s side is now taking the historic step to become fully professional.

With every women’s home game played at the iconic City Ground, the message is clear: female football isn’t the future – it’s now truly mainstream.

When Melissa Johnson and Charlie Wellings combined for over 50 goals this season they didn’t just win games.

They lit the path forward for generations of girls watching from the stands and screens.

Building from the ground up: the B-Team breakthrough

While the headlines grabbed hold of the first teams, Nottingham Forest’s B Team quietly staged a revolution of their own.

Playing home fixtures at the state-of-the-art Loughborough University campus, the young Reds battled their way to the quarter-finals, showing they are well on their way to punching above their weight in league cup tournaments.

And of course, May saw Forest's B Team won the Premier League International Cup under the lights at The City Ground, triumphing over Lyon in a tense penalty shoot-out.

The B Team welcomed back some familiar faces, including Joe Gardner, who had returned from a loan spell in the EFL with Lincoln City.

He quickly got the Reds moving when he whipped in a cross from the right and the ball met the head of Jack Nadin, whose effort narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Sustainable future

The development pipeline has never looked stronger – Forest’s future is being built on solid, sustainable ground.

It’s not just about players – it’s about pathways.

And it’s no accident that energy provider E.ON Next, a champion of future-focused thinking, is part of that journey.

Netball: a new chapter begins

And then there was netball.

In their debut season, Nottingham Forest Netball made waves in the Super League.

Led by Commonwealth champion Chelsea Pitman, the team didn’t just enter the league – they shook it.

A commanding 70–54 win over Cardiff Dragons gave a taste of what’s to come.

It’s early days, but the signal is strong: Forest Netball are here to stay.

In a sport increasingly in the national spotlight, Forest have arrived with energy, ambition and a clear sense of identity.

More than a partnership – a movement

What E.ON Next has brought to Nottingham Forest isn’t just financial support.

It’s belief – in progress, in parity and, most of all, in people.

Their investment in women’s sport, their vocal advocacy for gender equality, and their visible presence across every team has turned a corporate partnership into something far more powerful: a movement.

Because when a green energy company backs grassroots sport and top-tier performance alike, it says something vital about how sport and sustainability can rise together.

It shows us that a club’s success isn’t just measured in trophies– but in the community it builds and the futures it fuels.

Wrapping the season, charging toward tomorrow

As the final whistles echo out and another remarkable Forest season is etched into memory, one thing is clear: this partnership is just getting started.

From the terraces of the City Ground to the courts of the Motorpoint Arena, from young hopefuls to elite champions – E.ON Next and Nottingham Forest have built something electric.

And next season, the lights shine even brighter.

To find out more about how E.ON Next is energising sport and equality, visit eonenergy.com or follow the story at #PowerUpWithForest.