Physical activity generates £100bn in social value

The annual social value of community sport and physical activity in England has been calculated at £107.2bn.

According to a research report by Sport England – called The Social Value of Sport and Physical Activity in England – the value is made up of £96.7bn in annual wellbeing value for adults, children and young people taking part and volunteering in sport and physical activity. A further £10.5bn is made in wider savings to the health and social care system annually, through relieving pressure on the NHS by means of prevention of illness, reduced mental health service usage, fewer GP visits and a reduced need for informal (unpaid) care.

The research – which was based on an in-depth analysis of Sport England’s Active Lives data – was undertaken in partnership with social value advisors State of Life, Sheffield Hallam University and Manchester Metropolitan University. It also reviewed wider evidence for the health benefits of being active (including the costs associatedwith the treatment and care of illness and poor health), the research reveals the profound social and economic benefits of sport and physical activity for communities across England.

Published on 22 October, the report presents the findings from year one of a three-year study. The annual figures are based on participation, volunteering and population data for the year 2022-23, with all figures in 2023 prices.

The next two years will provide further analysis that looks to build on the understanding of how the social value of sport and physical activity is generated and distributed between different people, places, activities and stakeholders.