Scottish FA and the 'UEFA grow' social return on investment (SROI) model (2020)
UEFA Grow's social return on investment model puts a precise figure on football's wider economic, health and social impact.
To date, the UEFA model shows that 8.6 million registered amateur players across 25 European countries have generated a cumulative €39.4bn annually in direct and in-kind savings across:
1. Economy: 10.8bn through club membership fees, equipment, merchandise, travel, food & beverages and investment in infrastructure.
2. Society: 12.3bn in-kind savings through the positive social impact of football on communities. With its emphasis on teamwork, discipline and equal access for everyone, regardless of ability, race or gender, football strengthens and educates local communities. This, in turn, increases earning potential by creating volunteer / employment opportunities as well as reducing crime rates.
3. Health: 16.3bn in healthcare savings due to football's role in reducing the risk of conditions, such as Type II diabetes and heart disease, and improving mental health and well-being.
The Scottish FA's SROI model shows:
- 780,000 football players across Scotland
- Grassroots football in Scotland contributes over £1 billion (1.35bn–1.42bn Euros) in positive annual value to society.
- Economy: 242m Euros direct contribution to the economy
- Society: 352m Euros economic impact of social benefits.
- Health: 762m Euros in healthcare savings
Local community pilot projects—such as Spartans Community Football Academy—demonstrate multi-million euro contributions through local volunteering, infrastructure, and subjective well-being.
Aberdeen Case Study:
Grassroots football delivers a near-£100m positive societal impact across Aberdeenshire: https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/en/news/grassroots-football-s-100m-benefit-to-aberdeen
