Wigan Athletic Football Club has revealed the remarkable social value generated by the sport and physical activity-based interventions that its Community Trust delivers to the local community.
The Trust’s annual Impact Report published this week describes how for every £1 spent, it delivers £7.17 of social value.
This compares to £3.91 for every £1 invested in sport nationally, according figures published in 2020 - although updated research published by Sport England last year, which included wider outcomes around health and wellbeing, calculated the annual social value of community sport and physical activity to be more than £100 billion nationally.
DEPRIVATION
The high value reflects the club’s impact in an area which includes high levels of social and economic deprivation.
Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s Head of Community, Gareth Nolan, commented: “Looking back at another year of work at Wigan Athletic Community Trust, I am immensely proud to present the Impact Report for the 2023/24 season.
“The importance of our work in communities across the borough and beyond cannot be underestimated. We engage with people of all ages, from two to 92, many of whom live in areas experiencing the highest levels of social and economic deprivation. This report provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and reaffirm the vital role that Wigan Athletic Community Trust plays within the community.
“In 2023/24, the Trust secured over £1.65 million in investment for the borough and surrounding areas. The estimated social value of our work stands at an impressive £11,829,739 - equivalent to generating £7.17 of social value for every £1 spent.”
In the report, the Trust describes how it works with the football club towards equality in health, life chances and communities. It delivers 34 community projects across the areas of community development, health, schools, and training and skills, supporting over 12,500 people aged two to 92.
INVALUABLE
It supported over 2,500 young people to access free evening football sessions, and provided nearly 3,000 free meals to local children at risk of food poverty during the school holidays.
Gareth added: “This level of impact is only possible due to the invaluable support of our partners, and I extend my sincere gratitude to them. Their contributions enable us to continue making a real difference in our community.
“Finally, I would like to recognise and thank our incredible team. Their dedication, resilience, passion, and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind our success. Their commitment ensures that we continue to provide essential services that meet the needs of our community, and I am truly grateful for their hard work throughout the year.”
Read the full report here and watch the video.
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