Sport and physical activity contribute billions of pounds to national life

£85.5 billion is the combined economic and social value of taking part in sport and physical activity in England.

We’ll just leave that there for a moment.

£85.5 billion.

The sum is the result of a new major study undertaken by Sport England and Sheffield Hallam University. The report concluded that, taking account the costs of engagement and opportunity provision, for every £1 spent on sport and physical activity, a return on investment (ROI) of £3.91 was created for individuals and society in 2017/18. 

So, when we say that enhancing your knowledge, skills and confidence to inspire children to lead and embrace active lifestyles is worth it, you see it really is.

And it’s not just a figure, it’s about what makes up that figure.

It’s the:

• 150,000 cases of heart disease and stroke prevented
• 900,000 cases of diabetes prevented
• 8,500 cases of cancer prevented
• 93,000 cases of dementia prevented
• 375,000 cases of depression prevented
• 30,000,000 fewer GP visits
• 33,000,000 reduced use of psychotherapy services
• 21,000 hip fractures prevented
• 1,500,000 back pain cases prevented

It’s also the:

• 24 million people whose life satisfaction has improved through participation

• 9 million people whose life satisfaction has improved through volunteering

Plus, the:

• £4.5 million value of improved education

• £277.5 million of increased earnings

Along with the:

• 10,000 fewer crime incidents

• £5.7 billion replacement value of work by volunteers

• £14.2 billion value of enhanced social capital

And finally, the:

• 285,000 jobs supported

• £13.8 billion annual contribution to the economy

It’s all of that and so much more that makes your development in the sector worth it.