Taking part in sport is crucial to the wellbeing of the nation and generated more than £120 billion in ‘social value’ in 2023/24, according to research published by Sport England today.

The latest social value model, now in its second year, highlights the critical role of sport and physical activity in improving wellbeing, reducing healthcare costs and boosting the economy.

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Working in partnership with social value advisors State of Life, Sheffield Hallam University and Manchester Metropolitan University, the Sport England research found that community sport and physical activity generated an estimated £122.9 billion in ‘social value’ across England in 2023/24.

The figure was reached through in-depth analysis of Sport England’s Active Lives data, plus reviewing wider evidence for the health benefits of being active (including the costs associated with the treatment and care of illness and poor health).

Key findings from the report include:

• nearly £6bn is saved in productivity gains from a healthier workforce taking fewer sick days 
• there is £8bn in direct net savings to the healthcare system through illness prevention, reducing pressure on the NHS
• active lifestyles prevent more than 3.3 million cases of chronic health conditions a year – including 1.3m cases of depression, 900,000 cases of back pain and 700,000 cases of type 2 diabetes
• community sport and physical activity deliver a £36.2bn boost to the economy through Gross Value Added (GVA) – the measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area, industry or sector of an economy – and job creation
• for every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity, £4.38 is generated for economy and society – up from £4.20 in 2022/23

Sport England Chief Executive Simon Hayes said: “Sport and exercise are vital to our economy and society and must be part of the solution to big problems.

“By protecting and investing in opportunities to be active – particularly for communities and people that face the most barriers to taking part – the nation will be healthier, wealthier, and happier.”

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