SPL Community Report

First Minister Alex Salmond has given his backing to the SPL Community Report 2011 which was launched at Hampden Park on 20 January. The report unveils the unique contribution that football makes to both the Scottish economy and society.

SPL football clubs have a positive impact far beyond 90 minutes on a Saturday and play an actively engaging role in local communities that surround and sustain them. Many of the projects are aligned with Scottish Government National Outcomes and aim to deliver on:

• Physical activity & healthy living messages
• Social inclusion to build strong communities
• Creating employment opportunities and life chances
• Reducing crime through diversionary activities

SPL Community Report 2011 - the full document

SPL Community Report 2011 - summary version

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I welcome the publication of this comprehensive SPL Community Report, which provides clear evidence of the very positive work that SPL clubs are doing in their communities.  The Scottish Government recognises the valuable contribution that football clubs make to our local and national economy and to wider society. That is why we are supporting many of these initiatives and we are looking to develop these to ensure we maximise the local and national impact of our investment in football and sport."

Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray also gave his support: "Football clubs hold a unique place in Scottish life with their ability to connect with people. Through the SPL Trust they are playing a vital role giving something back from clubs to the community whether it be jobs, promoting physical fitness and well being and helping reduce crime. The SPL is to be congratulated for its initiative in creating over 400 jobs as part of the previous Labour government’s Future Jobs Scheme helping young people move into full time employment."

SPL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: "The SPL Community Report showcases the excellent work that has often gone unrecognised across our clubs. Those in charge of developing community activity have a wealth of experience and expertise that has been used to create new and innovative projects that now deliver benefit not only to their supporters but also the wider community.  The unique hook of a football club is being used to engage with traditionally hard to reach groups, and we are proud our clubs have such a significant impact on their community."

David Glen, author of the annual financial review of Scottish Football and partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers said: "The impact that the Scottish Premier League clubs have on the economy is significant. Over the past 10 years we have been reviewing Scottish Football Finances, the collective gross income generated between the clubs has exceeded £1.6 billion.

"A significant element of this directly finds its way from the clubs into the economy through the likes of providing local employment opportunities through to the purchase of numerous goods and services locally, whilst the indirect impact of match-day expenditure on activities such as accommodation, dining, transportation and other purchases within that community is considerable."

Notes
In December 2009 the SPL Trust was formed as a standalone charity to provide a dedicated central resource that will lead involvement with communities to the next level.  The SPL Trust aims to develop partnerships with other key agencies, such as UK and Scottish Government and to deliver centrally co-ordinated projects at all SPL clubs.

SPL clubs invested £8million in community activity in 2010. Within this figure, c.£4.5million has been leveraged in from private and public sector funding, representing money that may not be spent in the local area if it were not for the activity of clubs.

Economics
- £8 million cumulative spend on community activity each year
- £12 million in national insurance contributions
- £25 million in VAT contributions
- £43.7 million in PAYE contributions
- £109.6 million in wages
- £166.4 million cumulative turnover

Participation
- 23,600 individuals take part in SPL community projects every week.
- 182 SPL community projects currently in operation across the country.
- 6,600 hours per week of SPL club time spent on community activity.

Facilities
- £9 million invested in youth development each season.
- £30 million invested in stadia and training facilities over the past 5 years