Local pubs across the UK are playing a significant role in supporting grassroots sport, contributing an estimated £40 million every year to community teams and initiatives.
Research from the PubAid “Pubs Power Sport” report highlights how pubs are helping to sustain local clubs through sponsorship, fundraising and providing facilities for sport and physical activity.
According to the report, pubs help power around 6.7 million sports and activity sessions annually, with six in ten pubs supporting at least one sports-related initiative within their communities. On average, pubs that support sport facilitate around 20 hours of activity each month, ranging from hosting teams to supporting fundraising events.
The impact extends beyond financial contributions. More than 1.6 million people benefit from pub‑supported sport each year, whether through access to facilities, funding for teams, or organised activities.
When measured using the Government’s social value framework — where every £1 invested in sport generates £4 of social value — the sector’s contribution equates to roughly £160 million in community benefit annually.
Des O’Flanagan, co‑founder of PubAid, said pubs remain an “essential but often unseen force” behind grassroots sport. Many venues continue to support clubs through sponsorship, hosting activities, and helping bring communities together around sport.
Despite the challenges facing the hospitality sector in recent years, more than two‑thirds of pubs involved in sport say they are supporting as much or more community sport than they did before 2019.
The report highlights five key ways pubs contribute to community sport:
- Supporting physical health through regular activity
- Improving mental wellbeing
- Strengthening community connections
- Supporting local economies
- Encouraging volunteering and skill development
For many grassroots teams, the local pub remains a vital partner — whether through kit sponsorship, fundraising events or simply providing a place for teams to gather after matches.
Source
This article summarises reporting originally published by Caterer Licensee.
Original article: https://catererlicensee.com/british-pubs-pour-40-million-a-year-into-grassroots-sports/
Additional report reference: https://www.beerguild.co.uk/news/british-pubs-pour-40-million-a-year-into-grassroots-sports