Football’s Social Return on Investment

This post summarises key findings from several sources regarding the significant social and economic contributions of amateur football in the Netherlands. It draws upon UEFA’s Social Return on Investment (SROI) model, which quantifies the benefits of grassroots football using a robust, internationally recognised methodology.

The Social and Economic Impact of Amateur Football in the Netherlands

Social Return on Investment (SROI) model

Significant Social Value: Amateur football in the Netherlands generates an estimated €5.23 billion in annual social value, demonstrating its substantial contribution to Dutch society.

Over the decades, advancements in design, materials, and branding have transformed these items into high-value products.

Three Pillars of Value: This figure is derived from three key pillars:

Social Impact (€1.42 billion)
This includes the creation of volunteer opportunities (€1.18 billion), fostering community engagement and individual development, and training and employment opportunities (€226 million).

Economic Contribution (€1.27 billion)
This encompasses direct spending by players (€1.18 billion) on memberships, equipment, and related expenses, as well as the employment of 117,000 individuals within the sector.

Healthcare Savings (€2.54 billion)
Amateur football contributes to substantial savings within the Dutch healthcare system due to the health benefits associated with participation.

This includes savings related to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes (€366.95 million), mental health (€42.55 million), and a broader category of “subjective well-being” (€2.1 billion) capturing the positive impact on overall health and happiness.

"An iceberg diagram illustrating the social and economic impact of football. The visible tip represents 'Social Value,' while submerged layers depict 'Community Engagement,' 'Economic Impact,' 'Health Benefits,' and 'Individual Development.' Each layer is paired with a corresponding icon."

Football’s Social Return on Investment

Impact on National Economies

Social and Economic Impact of Amateur Football in the Netherlands
The sources highlight that amateur football’s social impact translates into significant economic benefits for national economies:

Reduced Healthcare Costs:

A healthier population leads to lower healthcare expenditures. For example, the €2.54 billion in annual healthcare savings generated by amateur football in the Netherlands illustrates this impact.

Increased Labour Productivity

Football promotes teamwork, discipline, and inclusivity, skills that are transferable to the workforce, potentially leading to increased productivity and economic growth.

Crime Reduction

Football’s positive social impact, particularly through community involvement and personal development, can contribute to lower crime rates, saving costs for the justice system and promoting economic growth.

"A diagram showing the economic ripple effects of amateur football. The central element, 'Impact on National Economies,' branches into four effects: 'Reduced Healthcare Costs,' 'Increased Labour Productivity,' 'Job Creation & Economic Activity,' and 'Crime Reduction,' each represented by an icon."

Job Creation & Economic Activity

The sector creates jobs directly and indirectly, stimulates economic activity through player spending, and contributes to national GDP.

UEFA’s SROI Model: A Powerful Tool for Advocacy

The UEFA Grow SROI model

Was developed with input from nine European universities and validated by prominent international organisations, has been used to quantify the benefits of amateur football across 25 European countries. The model uses football participation data and over 100 peer-reviewed research papers to calculate the social return on investment, providing a robust evidence base for advocating for increased investment in grassroots football.

Advocacy Support:

This component utilizes the evidence generated by the model to advocate for the importance of football development programs and secure funding for future initiatives. It involves communicating the findings to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to promote the positive impact of football.

Validation Process:

This component ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. It involves rigorous data cleaning, validation techniques, and statistical analysis to minimize bias and errors.

Data Utilization

This component focuses on collecting and analyzing relevant data to assess the impact of football development programs. It involves gathering information on participation rates, health outcomes, and social indicators.

Impact on National Economies

Examples of SROI Impact

Examples of SROI Impact

The Aberdeen Community Trust secured a £250,000 annual grant using the SROI data.
The Polish Football Federation secured €10 million annually from their government for grassroots football development using the UEFA SROI model.
The Italian Football Association used SROI data during lockdowns to highlight the importance of grassroots football.

Key Arguments Supported by SROI Data

Greater Value Than Professional

FootballAmateur football generates more value for national economies than professional football. For example, in Germany, amateur clubs deliver three times more value than all 18 Bundesliga clubs.

Talent Development

Countries with more amateur football clubs per capita tend to have more talented players, benefiting both domestic and national teams.

Kits for the World has seen this impact first hand at a number of clubs who partner with Kits for the World such as CSV’28 Zwolle who have helped to produce a large number of players who have gone on to play in some of the world top football clubs.

A diagram titled "Leveraging SROI for Strategic Gains" illustrates the connection between various factors and securing funding and support through SROI. The diagram uses a visual metaphor of a seesaw, with different factors balancing each other. On one side, we have financial grants, data-driven decisions, community impact, policy influence, grassroots development, and government funding. On the other side, we have awareness of grassroots importance, lockdown challenges, and long-term benefits. The seesaw balances on the fulcrum labeled "Securing Funding and Support through SROI."

A pie chart divided into three sections representing different aspects of SROI data in amateur football. The sections are labeled "Economic Value," "Investment Returns," and "Talent Development." Each section contains an icon related to its topic and a brief description of the data it represents.

Long-term Returns on Investment:

For every €1 invested in grassroots development through UEFA’s HatTrick programme, national associations, governments, and clubs have contributed an additional €3.63.

kits for the world poster image of a player supporting SDG

Donated football kits for football for good projects inspire participation in projects that can help change their life

Valuing Football’s Social Return on Investment

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the compelling evidence, over one-third of UEFA member associations receive no government support for grassroots football development. The SROI model provides a powerful tool to shift funding priorities towards the grassroots level and demonstrate the significant social, economic, and health benefits of investing in amateur football.

How does the social return on investment (SROI) of football compare to other sports

The Social Return on Investment (SROI) of football significantly highlights its value compared to other sports, primarily through its broad social, economic, and health benefits. Here’s a comparative overview based on recent findings:

Football’s SROI Insights
Economic Impact:
In Northern Ireland, football contributes approximately £470 million annually to the economy, with £77.68 million from registered players and volunteers alone.

UEFA’s analysis across 25 national associations indicates that 8.6 million registered footballers generate a cumulative €39.5 billion in positive impacts, with the majority stemming from non-economic benefits such as education and community integration.

Health Benefits:
Football participation is linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases like type II diabetes and heart disease, contributing to significant healthcare savings. For example, in Germany, health savings from playing football amounted to €5.6 billion, primarily due to improvements in mental health

Social Outcomes:
The SROI model captures various social benefits, including reduced crime rates and improved educational performance. For instance, involvement in football can lead to better educational outcomes and higher lifetime earnings due to enhanced skills and social integration

Comparison with Other Sports
While other sports also demonstrate positive SROI, football’s extensive reach and grassroots participation often yield more substantial overall societal impacts. Research from Sheffield Hallam University emphasises that while traditional economic measures are important, they do not fully capture the societal contributions of sports like football

The SROI framework has been applied across various sports; however, football’s unique community engagement and widespread participation often lead it to outperform other sports in terms of both direct economic contributions and broader social benefits.

In summary, football stands out in its SROI analysis due to its comprehensive impact on health, economy, and social structures compared to other sports, making it a vital area for investment and support within communities.

What are the key benefits of football for communities around the world

Football offers numerous benefits to communities around the world, serving as a powerful tool for social cohesion, economic development, and personal empowerment.

Here are the key benefits:

Economic Growth
Job Creation: Football generates significant employment opportunities, from grassroots levels to professional leagues, stimulating local economies through various sectors such as hospitality and tourism during major events like the FIFA World Cup.

Revenue Generation: The sport contributes billions in revenue, influencing economic policies and providing financial boosts to host cities during tournaments.

Social Integration
Community Cohesion: Football fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty among fans and players, bridging cultural and social divides. It unites diverse groups around a common passion, enhancing community spirit.

Support for Vulnerable Populations: Clubs often engage in community work addressing issues such as poverty, mental health, and social isolation. Initiatives include food bank support, mental health programs, and activities for refugees.

Health Benefits
Physical Health: Regular participation in football is linked to improved physical health outcomes, reducing risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. This can lead to substantial healthcare savings for governments.

Mental Well-being: The sport promotes mental health by providing an outlet for stress relief and community support during challenging times.

Educational Opportunities
Youth Development: Football programs can enhance educational engagement by motivating youth to participate in school. Integrating football with educational initiatives has shown improvements in attendance and academic performance.

Life Skills: Participation in football helps develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving among young players, preparing them for future challenges.

Gender Equity
Empowerment of Women: Football initiatives increasingly focus on promoting women’s participation in the sport, which contributes to greater social and economic independence for women and girls globally.

Environmental Awareness
Sustainability Initiatives: The football industry is increasingly addressing its environmental impact through sustainable practices like eco-friendly stadium designs and waste management strategies during events.

In summary, football serves not only as a popular sport but also as a catalyst for positive change within communities worldwide. Its multifaceted benefits contribute significantly to social development, economic growth, health improvement, and educational advancement.

How can football be used to drive economic growth in developing countries

Football can be a powerful driver of economic growth in developing countries through various mechanisms. Here are the key ways in which football contributes to economic development:

Job Creation
Employment Opportunities: The football industry generates jobs not only for players but also for coaches, referees, administrative staff, and various support roles. This helps alleviate unemployment pressures in developing nations.

Infrastructure Development
Investment in Facilities: Developing football requires substantial investment in infrastructure such as stadiums, training facilities, and community sports centres. This infrastructure can have long-term benefits for local economies by improving public amenities and attracting tourism.

Revenue Generation
Tax Revenues: Football generates significant tax revenues through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships. These funds can be reinvested into local communities and public services.

Foreign Exchange Earnings: Hosting international matches and tournaments attracts visitors who spend on accommodation, food, and tourism-related activities, contributing to the local economy. For example, Egypt earned $83 million from hosting the African Cup of Nations.

Social Cohesion and Community Development
Unity and Inclusion: Football fosters social cohesion by bringing together diverse groups within communities. It promotes inclusion and can help reduce social tensions, which is particularly important in regions with ethnic or cultural divides.

Health Benefits
Improved Public Health: Regular engagement in football can lead to better physical health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs for governments. Healthier populations are more productive, contributing positively to the economy.

Education and Skill Development
Youth Engagement: Football programs often include educational components that encourage youth participation in schools. This can lead to improved educational performance and greater lifetime earnings for participants.

International Relations and Sponsorship
Global Partnerships: Successful football programs can attract international sponsorships and partnerships, enhancing a country’s global image and facilitating foreign investments.

Long-term Economic Strategies
Holistic Development Approaches: Effective football development requires strategic planning that includes building strong institutions, training personnel, and promoting talent development. These strategies can create a sustainable sports ecosystem that supports broader economic growth.

In summary, leveraging football as a tool for economic growth involves a multifaceted approach that includes job creation, infrastructure investment, revenue generation, social cohesion, health improvements, educational opportunities, international partnerships, and comprehensive development strategies. By focusing on these areas, developing countries can harness the potential of football to drive significant economic benefits.

What are some successful examples of football-based community development programs

Football-based community development programs have successfully leveraged the sport’s popularity to address social issues, promote health, and foster economic growth. Here are some notable examples:

1. Active Through Football (England)

Overview: Funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, this program aims to increase physical activity levels in communities by engaging local organisations and residents in the design and delivery of football activities.

Impact: By focusing on long-term behaviour change rather than short-term attendance, the initiative has successfully targeted areas with high levels of inactivity, promoting sustained community engagement and physical health improvements.

2. Premier League Kicks (UK)

Overview: Launched in 2006, this program targets young people at risk of anti-social behaviour by providing free football sessions and personal development opportunities.

Impact: Over 520,000 young people have participated, with a focus on inclusivity for girls and disabled individuals. The program also emphasises mentoring and role modelling, with many former participants now working as coaches.

3. Football for Hope (Global)

Overview: This initiative uses football as a tool for social development, focusing on health promotion, education, and social integration. It includes the establishment of Football for Hope Centres that offer various community services.

Impact: The program has successfully engaged youth in marginalised communities worldwide, providing them with safe spaces for interaction and personal development while addressing issues like disease prevention and education.

4. Mathare Youth Sports Association (Kenya)

Overview: This organisation engages approximately 20,000 young people in Nairobi’s Mathare slums through sports activities that promote health and leadership.

Impact: MYSA combines football training with community service initiatives such as environmental cleanups and HIV/AIDS awareness programs, fostering responsible citizenship among youth.

5. Grassroots Soccer (Southern Africa)

Overview: Founded by professional football players, this organisation mobilises the football community to combat HIV/AIDS through education.

Impact: Grassroots Soccer trains local role models to deliver interactive educational sessions using football as a medium, effectively reaching vulnerable populations across several African countries.

6. Spirit of Soccer (Cambodia)

Overview: This program educates children in post-conflict regions about landmine dangers through football activities.

Impact: Over 22,000 children have received mine-risk education through trained coaches using football as a teaching tool, significantly raising awareness in affected communities.

7. Street League (UK)
Overview: This organisation uses football alongside education and training programs to support homeless individuals.

Impact: Street League promotes social integration and healthy lifestyles while helping participants gain skills necessary for employment and personal development.

These examples illustrate how football can be effectively utilised to foster community development by addressing pressing social issues, enhancing health outcomes, and promoting inclusivity across various demographics.

Conclusion

This article highlights the substantial value of amateur football in the Netherlands and beyond. UEFA’s SROI model offers a robust methodology to quantify these benefits and advocate for increased investment in grassroots football.

By promoting wider understanding and utilisation of the SROI model, policymakers and stakeholders can harness the transformative power of amateur football to benefit individuals, communities, and national economies.