The annual social value of community sport and physical activity is £107.2 billion, Sport England’s new research calculates.
The value is made up of £96.7 billion in annual wellbeing value for adults, children and young people taking part and volunteering in sport and physical activity – and a further £10.5 billion in wider savings to the health and social care system a year.
This relieves pressure on the NHS through the prevention of illness, reduced mental health service usage, fewer GP visits and a reduced need for informal (unpaid) care.
Through in-depth analysis of the 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.
Sport England undertook the research in partnership with social value advisors State of Life, Sheffield Hallam University and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of Sport England, said: "Our research is unequivocal in making the case for sport and physical activity to be a central part of the solutions to the issues facing our country.
"We build wealth through health: people playing sport and leading active lives turbo-charges our wellbeing, prevents illness, saves the NHS billions and can boost our health and economic growth.
"However, the shocking cost of inequalities in activity levels is a social and economic burden. If we can protect and invest in opportunities to play sport and be active, particularly for communities and people that face the most barriers to taking part, we will be healthier, wealthier, and happier.
"That’s why our 10-year strategy Uniting the Movement is laser-focused on tackling inequalities and today’s research proves again that this approach matters.
"Health experts have called physical activity a 'miracle cure'. We stand ready with our partners across the sector to work with the government to unleash the miracle cure for our NHS, our economy and our future."
The publication presents the findings from year one of a three-year study. The annual figures are based on participation, volunteering and population data for the year 2022/23, with all figures in 2023 prices.
The next two years will provide further analysis that builds on understanding of how the social value of sport and physical activity is generated and distributed between different people, places, activities and stakeholders.
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "Being physically active is one of the best things we can do to stay healthy and independent throughout our lives, and sport is one of the most enjoyable ways to achieve this.
"The greatest health gains are from helping people who do little activity to do a bit more. This report shows that we need make it easier for particular groups to engage in physical activity including sport."
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "These findings from Sport England underline just how vital sport and physical activity are to creating a fit and happy nation.
"Supporting the country to get active will be crucial in achieving our mission of building an NHS fit for the future. We are committed to giving people every opportunity to lead active lives for all the brilliant benefits it brings, helping to tackle some of the nation's most pressing health issues."
