Value of Football

Social Return on Investment

In 2018, Scotland became one of the first countries in Europe to participate in a landmark UEFA study, with the goal of illustrating the unique benefits of football participation nationwide.

Created by European football's governing body, the Strategic Return on Investment (SROI) Model was created to provide National Associations with a tool to understand the value of football participation at all levels. From grassroots and community football clubs to national and government levels, the report aimed to provide tangible evidence of how football can serve to improve the lives of those living within Scottish society.

The model saw experts from educational institutions across Europe assist with the research into the benefits of grassroots participation, including the University of Birmingham and Malmo University.

A regional case study focusing on Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire was also established, allowing for a closer examination of the societal impact of football at a local level.

As a result, the Scottish FA was able to place a monetary value on participation in football for the first time whilst simultaneously highlighting the strength of Scotland's volunteer infrastructure.

The report concluded that the total number of registered players involved in the game are worth over £500m annually to Scotland and if we extend the model to include all participants, grassroots football provided over €1 billion of value to Scottish society the first time such a figure could be accurately attributed to the sport.

Consequently, the findings delivered by the report have provided the Scottish FA with valuable insight into how best to promote participation at all levels moving forward, as the association consistently strives to promote Football For All across Scotland's communities.