And finally…playing football scores £1.25bn for Scotland’s economy

The report, commissioned by UEFA, European football’s governing body, in conjunction with the Scottish FA, uncovers what it describes as “unique tangible evidence” of the impact the national sport has on the country’s economic, social and health benefits.

As well as a total social return on investment of £1.25 billion, the report also highlights a direct economic impact of over £200 million, over £300 million in social benefits and a preventative health spend of almost £700 million from the grassroots game.

Scotland is one of the first countries across Europe to undertake the SROI model, part of UEFA’s GROW programme, which it states is designed “to create a step-change in grassroots funding by providing unique and tangible evidence that investing in mass participation has a significant impact in terms of economic value, social and health benefits”.

The research was undertaken with the expert help of an advisory panel gleaned from educational institutions such as Birmingham, Brunel and Loughborough Universities, and involved a case study from Aberdeen FC’s Community Trust.

About 780,000 people in Scotland play football and around 89 per cent of those participants are male.

The study suggests that one of the greatest impacts of the sport can be seen in the area of mental health.

A figure of £40 million saved a year is suggested for the financial impact - with the report suggesting 5,000 cases of mental health issues are prevented each year.

Almost £25 million is saved on treatment of cardiovascular disease and £10 million in type-2 diabetes.

The grassroots game is also credited with making a significant contribution to crime reduction, is proven to assist those not in employment, education or training, and improves education and job creation.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive said: “We have known for decades the positive impact football as the national sport has on the population: it can inspire a nation, unite families and entire communities, and make society a better place.

“The findings in the UEFA GROW report outline the extent to which football is a force for good in helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s health and wellbeing agenda, and also the dramatic impact the national game has on the economy.

“We committed to this project to reaffirm football’s place as an essential fabric of Scottish society and we are pleased to present these findings to the Scottish Government. We are grateful for their ongoing support to the many grassroots projects and look forward to having more substantive conversations with the First Minister and her key cabinet secretaries to make even greater inroads in in improving the health and wellbeing of Scottish society through the power of football, whilst reinforcing our position as a major contributor to the country’s economy.”

Zoran Laković, UEFA National Associations Director said: “UEFA GROW is our central business development support programme to nurture football across Europe. UEFA GROW offers tailor-made consultation services to our national associations in the areas that are most relevant for football organisations, from building a better image of football, to increasing revenue opportunities and getting more people to play our beautiful game. We are pleased to have worked in collaboration with the Scottish FA and its key stakeholders to provide tangible evidence of its social return on investment. Football is synonymous with Scotland and we look forward to seeing how the Scottish FA works with its local government at all levels to build on these findings for the good of football and society.”

Joe FitzPatrick, minister for public health, sport and Wellbeing said: “Football is Scotland’s national game and can be a powerful force for good in our communities. As this report clearly states, the many programmes delivered through football are helping people stay active, improve their physical and mental health, and tackle issues ranging from loneliness and isolation to education and community safety.

“This report is an important piece of work, and the culmination of a unique partnership between the Scottish Government, sportscotland, the Scottish FA and UEFA over many months to produce robust evidence of football’s contribution to our communities and society.”