Sport England have recently released research showing physical activities’ fantastic benefits and value. Having commissioned Sheffield Hallam University to calculate sport and physical activities’ impact on England, the following results were found.
For every £1 spent on community sport and physical activity, £3.91 worth of value for individuals and society was created. Here’s how:
- 150,000 Heart disease and strokes prevented – Value: £1 billion
- 900,000 Cases of diabetes prevented – Value: £3.6 billion
- 8,500 Cases of cancer prevented – Value: £460 million
- 93,000 Cases of dementia prevented – value: £3.5 billion
- 375,000 Cases of depression prevented – Value: £110 million
- 30,000,000 Fewer GP visits – Value: £450 million
- 33,000,000 Reduced use of psychotherapy services – Value: £670 million
- 21,000 Hip fractures prevented – Value: £800 million
- 1,500,000 Cases of back pain prevented – Value: £410 million
- 280,000 Sports injuries caused – Cost: -£1.5 billion
All of this data was taken from 2017 – 2018, and details how staying active and social through community sports can prevent a whole bunch of physical and mental health challenges. Even offsetting the money saved with the cost of sports injuries, it is an incredibly large sum. And there are even more areas where joining in with community sport saves money, such as crime prevention.
Check out the full report here: https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/measuring-impact?section=social_and_economic_value_of_community_sport
So, with all that in mind, why not click through to our timetable section – located in the “Sports & Activities” dropdown – to see what community sports sessions you could join in with?