According to PubAid’s Pubs Power Sport report, which has aimed to shine a light on the value pubs provide the the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation, more than 6.7m sport and activity sessions powered by pubs each year.
Furthermore, it showed about six in 10 pubs support a sport-related initiative and those who do, facilitate an average of 20 hours of physical activity a month within their communities.
The benefits of showing live sport were also illustrated in the data, which found 70% of pubs showing it have increased their support for community sport since 2019 compared to more than half (51%) that don’t.
Support barrier
However, the biggest barrier to supporting these local initiatives was a lack of budget with 68% saying it’s hard to find the funds to make a difference.
Almost one fifth (19%) questioned the return on investment while 15% admitted to a lack of awareness on who and how to support a local group.
PubAid co-founder Des O’Flanagan said: “Pubs are an essential but often unseen force behind grassroots and community sport.
“More than two thirds of pubs are even supporting more sport now than in 2019, despite the challenges of the past six years for the sector.”
Social infrastructure
He added: “Behind every statistic is a publican giving time, space and care to keep local teams alive.
“From funding kits to hosting yoga in the function rooms and teaching darts teams, pubs are playing a crucial part in improving the physical and mental health of the nation.
“The findings of Pubs Power Sport 2025 confirm what the industry has long known - pubs are a vital part of the nation’s social infrastructure.
“The alignment between pub-led activity and national priorities is strong, from supporting the Government’s levelling up agenda to playing a vital role in combating loneliness across communities.”
