Sport and activity generate over £100 billion in social value a year 

Sport England has released a report that analyses the social value generated by sport and physical activity.

The report calculates that sport and physical activity are worth £107.2 billion annually.

State of Life, Sheffield Hallam University and Manchester Metropolitan University conducted the research and report, commissioned by Sport England.

The research measured two types of social value: the primary direct value to individuals through improved well-being (being happier and healthier) and the secondary wider value to society (such as savings made to the public purse).

The report examines how improved health creates £10.5 billion in health and social care savings, relieving pressure on the NHS.

It also demonstrates how active lives prevent 1.3 million cases of depression, 600,000 of diabetes and 57,000 of dementia a year.

Being healthier and happier through an active life is valued at £2,500 a year per adult – but for adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions, the value more than doubles at £5,100.

However, the social cost of inequalities in activity levels is calculated at £15.6 billion a year.

Sport England Chief Executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “Our research is unequivocal in making the case for sport and physical activity to be a central part of the solutions to the issues facing our country. 

“We build wealth through health: people playing sport and leading active lives turbo-charges well-being, prevents illness, relieves NHS pressure and can boost our health and economic growth.

“However, the shocking cost of inequalities in activity levels is a social and economic burden. 

“If we can protect and invest in opportunities to play sport and be active, particularly for communities and people that face the most barriers to taking part, we will be healthier, wealthier, and happier.”

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: “Being physically active is one of the best things we can do to stay healthy and independent throughout our lives, and sport is one of the most enjoyable ways to achieve this. 

“The greatest health gains are from helping people who do little activity to do a bit more. 

“This report shows that we need to make it easier for particular groups to engage in physical activity, including sport.”

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock added: “These findings from Sport England underline just how vital sport and physical activity are to creating a fit and happy nation. 

“Supporting the country to get active will be crucial in achieving our mission of building an NHS fit for the future.

“We are committed to giving people every opportunity to lead active lives for all the brilliant benefits it brings, helping to tackle some of the nation’s most pressing health issues.”

Following the release of the report, Anthony Statham, interim CEO at Active Sussex, said: “The Sport England findings highlight the critical role of physical activity for active and inactive audiences. 

“Active Sussex is collaborating with partners across the county to deliver the Getting Sussex Moving strategy, which aims to enable people to be physically active and move more in a way that works for them, and we are working hard to remove barriers to sport and physical activity to ensure everyone in Sussex has equal access. ”

The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) said: “Today’s publication by Sport England powerfully illustrates the indispensable role our sector plays in improving the health and wellbeing of our nation. 

“It is now important the Government builds on initial positive engagement with our sector and begins to set out how it plans to fully leverage the economic, social, and health benefits sport, recreation and physical activity provide.

“Over the coming weeks and months, the Government will set out its economic and policy plans for this Parliament, starting with the Budget and one-year departmental budget settlements this month, and then the long-term mission strategies and multi-year spending plans in 2025.

“Firstly, it is important that – as a minimum – the Budget and one-year departmental settlements protect existing investment into sport, recreation and physical activity, and tax and regulatory decisions to support sector growth.

“Secondly, the Government’s developing plans for sport, recreation and physical activity as part of its Five Missions must be co-created with the sector if they are to succeed.”

To read the full Sport England report click here 

You can read the National Sector Partners Group’s (NSPG) full response here