--- title: Maximising the Community and Economic Value of Sports in England description: Discover how the social value of sport boosts wellbeing, unites communities, and delivers powerful economic returns. image: https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_54067/the-community-and-economic-benefits-of-maximising-the-value-of-sports-in-england_ed9b01af443303bcc63121008f73ad10.jpg --- [![UK Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/UK%20Flag.webp?width=313&height=156&name=UK%20Flag.webp) 0330 4000 481](tel:0330%204000%20481) [![Irish Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Irish%20Flag.webp?width=313&height=156&name=Irish%20Flag.webp) 01 912 0079](tel:01%20912%200079) [info@fmgconsulting.co.uk](mailto:info@fmgconsulting.co.uk) [![UK Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/UK%20Flag.webp?width=313&height=156&name=UK%20Flag.webp) 0330 4000 481](tel:%200330%204000%20481) [![Irish Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Irish%20Flag.webp?width=313&height=156&name=Irish%20Flag.webp) 01 912 0079](tel:01%20912%200079) [info@fmgconsulting.co.uk](mailto:%20info@fmgconsulting.co.uk) [![FMG blue logo](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hubfs/FMG%20blue%20logo.svg "FMG blue logo")](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/) [![FMG blue logo](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hubfs/FMG%20blue%20logo.svg "FMG blue logo")](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/) - [Home](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk) - About - [About Us](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/about-us) - [Meet The Team](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/meet-the-team) - Services - [Strategic Planning](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/strategic-planning) - [Facility Development](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/facility-development) - [Management Solutions](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/facility-management-solutions) - Specialist Areas - [Active Wellbeing](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/active-wellbeing) - [Sport & Leisure](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/sports-and-leisure) - [Stadium & Arena](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/stadium-arena) - [Playing Pitch Strategy](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/playing-pitch-strategy) - [Football](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/football) - [Golf](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/golf) - [Energy Efficiency & Net Zero Carbon Solutions](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/energy-efficiency-and-net-zero-carbon-solutions) - [Interim Management](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/interim-management) - Resources - [Blog](https://49430158.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/blog) - [Testimonials](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/testimonials) - [Case Studies](https://49430158.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/case-studies) More results [Contact Us](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/contact) [Contact Us](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/contact) [Contact Us](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/contact) - [Home](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk) - About - [About Us](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/about-us) - [Meet The Team](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/meet-the-team) - Services - [Strategic Planning](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/strategic-planning) - [Facility Development](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/facility-development) - [Management Solutions](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/facility-management-solutions) - Specialist Areas - [Active Wellbeing](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/active-wellbeing) - [Sport & Leisure](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/sports-and-leisure) - [Stadium & Arena](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/stadium-arena) - [Playing Pitch Strategy](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/playing-pitch-strategy) - [Football](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/football) - [Golf](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/golf) - [Energy Efficiency & Net Zero Carbon Solutions](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/energy-efficiency-and-net-zero-carbon-solutions) - [Interim Management](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/interim-management) - Resources - [Blog](https://49430158.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/blog) - [Testimonials](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/testimonials) - [Case Studies](https://49430158.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/case-studies) [Contact Us](https://www.hubspot.com/) ![FMG blue logo](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hubfs/FMG%20blue%20logo.svg) FMG Consulting Limited Bank House, Market Square Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1ET ![UK Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/UK%20Flag.webp?width=40&height=20&name=UK%20Flag.webp) [0330 4000 481](tel:0330%204000%20481) ![Irish Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Irish%20Flag.webp?width=40&height=20&name=Irish%20Flag.webp) [01 912 0079](tel:%200330%204000%20481)      [info@fmgconsulting.co.uk](mailto:info@fmgconsulting.co.uk) [Blog](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/blog) # The Community And Economic Benefits Of Maximising The Value Of Sports in England by [FMG Consulting](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/author/fmg-consulting) 4 min read Dec 30, 2025 10:00:01 AM ​Sport is vital for physical fitness, yet its impact extends far beyond individual health. It plays a significant role in society, improving mental wellbeing, strengthening communities, fuelling economic growth and supporting social cohesion. [![Book A Free Consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/49430158/interactive-187675078402.png)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJcgKZwn7Y5%2B4LqrxBHZxWwsocsVJmiJaLmAYApEVzmPJWrPsjOiqJrZDj0b86P6iL5A5%2FHy%2FFDe1c%2BsJBmSPBBZUCnA3zfPzwmjDvPYaudcIFHTPxJPiQ2V6R4N8wCVHMLPeqJsqUJL6c%2BxzzuqjcacAZT2A7BFjYnTn%2B4muPtUHxevRn6Sp%2Fq6LIhzUa6RYGTtw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=187675078402&portalId=49430158) Data published in October 2024 confirms what the sector has long understood: investment in sport delivers substantial economic and social value, often several times greater than the money initially spent. ## **Quantifying Project Impact Through Economic And Social Value** The concept of Economic and Social Value has become an important factor when evaluating the true return on investment in sport and [physical activity](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/local-authority-leisure-centres-physical-activity). It goes beyond traditional measures of participation or revenue to include the full spectrum of benefits, from healthcare savings to community development and personal wellbeing. Sport England's October 2024 research revealed that the Social Value of community sport and physical activity in England was £107.2 billion annually. This consists of £96.7 billion from the direct benefit and value to individuals from improved wellbeing, including participation and volunteering and £105 billion Secondary Value to society covering reduced GP visits, prevention of disease and chronic health conditions and the cost of sports injuries. In terms of Economic Value, England generates circa £87 billion with gross value added of circa £46.5 billion. This is driven from job creation, reducing health care costs from a healthier population and from the reduction in crime. FMG Consulting's newly developed Economic and Social Value Model builds on this national framework, providing local authorities, Active Partnerships and operators with a practical tool to quantify the measurable impact of sport and physical activity within their specific communities. The model combines demographic data, health metrics and participation trends to deliver evidence-based insights that support business strategy, investment appraisals and business cases. ## **Sport As A Driver Of Health And Wellbeing** The analysis of benefits from sport and physical activity on individuals and society have been classified into Primary and Social Values. From a Primary perspective, adults that are active have a benefit valued at £2,500 per adult, being fairly active provides a value of £1,200 and for younger people (aged 11-16) these compare as £4,100 and £3,100 respectively. It may be noted that different genders, age groups and people with long-term health conditions have an allocated “value” per person. Again, volunteering can generate a Social Value for an individual. If volunteering weekly, this value is estimated at £2,100 and monthly £1,000 per adult. Secondary Values are the wider value to society and covers a range of health focussed outcomes including risk of diabetes, cancers, dementia, depression and back pain, reduced GP visits, reduced mental health support required and reduced sports injuries. These translate into a value per adult of an active or fairly active adult between £315 and £230. Again, these differ for age with gender being negligible. ## **Building Stronger, Safer, And More Connected Communities** As well as improving individual lives, sport helps build stronger societies. Community sport fosters relationships, encourages volunteering and enhances social capital by creating spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect. It also supports local economies. The sport sector contributes £46.7 billion in gross value added to the English economy, sustaining employment across coaching, facility management, events and related services. In deprived or isolated areas, sport can be a catalyst for regeneration, increasing footfall, improving perceptions of safety and creating new pathways for youth engagement. The social benefits of sports infrastructure (including facilitating social interactions and providing green spaces) deliver substantial additional value to communities. ## **Tackling Inequality And Targeting Investment** A key focus across the UK is reducing inequality in participation. The social cost of inequalities in physical activity levels is calculated at £15.6 billion annually with £14.2 billion from Primary Value and £1.4 billion from Secondary Value. Addressing these disparities is central to Sport England's Place Needs Classification framework, which guides investment to areas of greatest need by combining physical activity data from Active Lives Surveys with wider social data including the index of multiple deprivation, community need and health inequalities indicators. FMG's Economic and Social Value Model is designed to complement these national frameworks, helping partners target resources where they will generate the highest return in health outcomes, social inclusion and local prosperity. By quantifying impact at community level, through site selection, facility mix and programmes, the model enables evidence-based decision-making and demonstrates accountability to stakeholders and funders. ## **A Strategic Imperative For The Future** As the sector continues to evolve, the ability to measure and communicate impact has become essential to securing investment, both internally and externally, and shaping sustainable strategies. Sport and physical activity are integral components of national infrastructure, promoting a healthy population both now and in the future. The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, emphasises that "the greatest health gains are from helping people who do little activity to do a bit more", highlighting that strategic investment in the least active populations delivers the most significant returns. Quantifying the true value of sport's impact ensures that future decisions are evidence-led, equitable and designed for long-term benefit. With £107.2 billion in annual social value at stake, and £15.6 billion in potential gains from addressing inequality, the case for investment in sport and physical activity has never been stronger. This is in addition to the Economic Value created from these investment opportunities at a national and local level. **FMG Consulting's Economic and Social Value Model (ESV) helps local authorities and operators quantify the impact of sport and physical activity investments, supporting evidence-based strategy development and robust business cases. [Speak to our team](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/contact) to discover how we can help you demonstrate and maximise the social and economic value of your existing and new sports provision.** Image source - [Canva](https://www.canva.com/photos/MAEJPoPDmC4/) - Recent - Topics - Archive Recent Topics - [Case Studies (41)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/case-studies) - [Blog (13)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/blog) - [Strategy (4)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/strategy) - [Delivery (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/delivery) - [Training & development (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/training-development) Archive - [May 2026 (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/05) - [January 2026 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/12) - [November 2025 (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/11) - [October 2025 (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/10) - [August 2025 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/08) - [July 2025 (30)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/07) - [June 2025 (6)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2025/06) - [December 2024 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/12) - [November 2024 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/11) - [October 2024 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/10) - [September 2024 (2)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/09) - [July 2024 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/07) - [June 2024 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/06) - [May 2024 (1)](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/archive/2024/05) See all ### Subscribe by email Share this [Share on Twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/social-value-of-sport&text=Maximising%20the%20Community%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sports%20in%20England) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/social-value-of-sport&t=Maximising%20the%20Community%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sports%20in%20England) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/social-value-of-sport&t=Maximising%20the%20Community%20and%20Economic%20Value%20of%20Sports%20in%20England) Previous story [← Your Leisure Facilities Management Contract Is Ending: What Are Your Options?](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/leisure-facilities-management-contract-ending) Next story [How To Find the Right Funding for Local Sports Clubs and Leisure Projects →](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/funding-for-leisure-centres) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [The UK Padel Boom: Strategic Facility Development To Meet Rising Demand](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/padel-court-development) ![Young woman playing padel by herself on a modern blue outdoor court.](https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_54067/the-uk-padel-boom-strategic-facility-development-to-meet-rising-demand_afab4cb4782a5cac03217a61167e01c0.jpg) [Blog](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/blog) ### The UK Padel Boom: Strategic Facility Development To Meet Rising Demand Nov 25, 2025 2:26:37 PM 4 min read [How To Find the Right Funding for Local Sports Clubs and Leisure Projects](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/funding-for-leisure-centres) ![A diverse group of adults gathered in a casual meeting setting, chatting and networking in a circle of chairs, suggesting a community workshop or planning session for local sports or leisure initiatives.](https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_54067/how-to-find-the-right-funding-for-local-sports-clubs-and-leisure-projects_952c01e2a8424c774e99c9ad340a0b20.jpg) [Blog](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/blog) ### How To Find the Right Funding for Local Sports Clubs and Leisure Projects Jan 15, 2026 10:00:01 AM 3 min read [Haringey Council](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/haringey-council) ![Haringey Council](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hubfs/Images/Haringey-Council.webp) [Case Studies](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/blog/tag/case-studies) ### Haringey Council Jul 10, 2025 12:13:19 PM 1 min read ### Get Email Notifications ### No Comments Yet Let us know what you think ![FMG Logo](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hubfs/FMG%20Logo.svg) FMG Consulting Limited Bank House, Market Square Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1ET ![UK Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/UK%20Flag.webp?width=40&height=20&name=UK%20Flag.webp) [0330 4000 481](tel:0330%204000%20481) ![Irish Flag](https://www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Irish%20Flag.webp?width=40&height=20&name=Irish%20Flag.webp) [01 912 0079](tel:%200330%204000%20481) [info@fmgconsulting.co.uk](mailto:info@fmgconsulting.co.uk) Registered in England & Wales. 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