Community sport and physical activity generated an estimated £122.9 billion in ‘social value’ across England in 2023/24, new research has revealed.

Sport England’s latest social value model highlights the critical role of sport and physical activity in improving wellbeing, reducing healthcare costs and boosting the economy.

Through in-depth analysis of 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), the research reveals the profound social and economic benefits of sport and physical activity for communities across England.

The findings show that:

• £106.9 billion in wellbeing value generated annually
• £8 billion in direct net savings to the healthcare system through illness prevention, reducing pressure on the NHS.
• Community sport and physical activity deliver a £35 billion boost to the economy through Gross Value Added (GVA)

Figures highlight the critical role sport and physical activity has on improving wellbeing, reducing healthcare costs, and boosting the economy.

However, despite the benefits listed above, the research highlights a stark inequality, with the potential for £20bn more social value to be unlocked if the least active groups in society matched the activity levels of the most active.

The Value of Sport & Physical Activity in Lincolnshire

The report reveals that being active created £1.6 billion worth of benefits for Lincolnshire during the year.

District Figures:

By district the this breaks down as:

Boston: £107,674,200
East Lindsey: £233,965,000
West Lindsey: £173,618,000
Lincoln: £181,779,800
South Kesteven: £242,884,800
South Holland: £146,264,400
North Kesteven: £191,298,600

Find out more about the research and findings on Sport England's website, or download the report below.

Download the Social Value of Sport and Physical Activity Summary Report

Download the Social Value of Sport and Physical Activity Report