The EFL has announced a report that reveals the work that 72 of its clubs have done in regards to supporting communities in England and Wales.
As part of the governing body’s annual Week of Action – using data from 2019 to 2022 – the report shows that EFL clubs and their Club Community Organisations (CCOs) generated over £865m of social value to towns and cities across the country through community programmes during the 2021/22 season.
This is the first time a social value has been attributed to the work of EFL Clubs as a collective. It represents the estimated savings to public spending and other forms of social value that clubs and CCOs have delivered in areas including physical health, mental wellbeing, education and employment.
Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, commented: “This report provides substantial evidence that our clubs continue to be at the heart of their communities, bringing life-changing opportunities that leave a lasting impact.
“The need for EFL clubs to continue as catalysts for social change remains, with an increasing scale of club community work delivered since 2019. Financial sustainability for EFL clubs is key to enabling them to continue as a force for good in their communities.”
The report was launched at a roundtable in Parliament with representatives from the EFL, members of the community and the Sports Minister, the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP.
“We’re immensely proud of the community support delivered by EFL clubs and CCOs and are thrilled to now be able to put a social value on this good work,” added Liam Scully, Chair of the EFL Trust.
“We look forward to showcasing some of the most impactful community projects throughout this year’s Week of Action.”
In the second version of the ‘Measuring the Impact of EFL clubs in the Community’ report, EFL clubs are shown to be responding to the needs of their communities at an ‘unprecedented scale’.
There was more funding and investment raised than ever before (£101m), more partnerships developed (6,744), larger numbers of staff and volunteers deployed (9,922) and more facilities and in-kind support made available to local people valued at over £40.8m.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP concluded: “The EFL’s Week of Action is a great way to highlight the significant contribution football clubs make to local communities.
“Football is a way of life across England and this research shows just how vital clubs are in bringing people together and fostering a strong sense of pride.
“We are determined to protect these vital community assets, so clubs are placed on a sustainable footing now and into the future and continue to play a central role for generations to come.”
