Impact of the Sport and Active Leisure Industry

Economic Impact

The sport and active leisure industry contributes significantly to the economy through revenue generated from sporting events, facilities, and equipment sales.
Various employment opportunities are created in areas such as coaching, facilities management, sports marketing, and fitness training.
Wherever large sporting events are held, local businesses can benefit from increased customer traffic and spending.

Regular participation in sports and active leisure activities is associated with numerous physical health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, and better weight management.
In addition to physical health, engaging in these activities can also have benefits for mental health, helping to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Encouraging active lifestyles from a young age through youth sports and physical education within schools helps instil healthy habits that can persist into adulthood.

Participation in sports can foster a sense of community identity and pride, especially when local or national teams achieve success.
Sports and active leisure activities often provide opportunities for social interaction, helping build relationships and strengthen communities.
They can also aid in promoting social inclusion for disadvantaged or marginalised groups, aiding to build a more cohesive and inclusive society.

While sports events can spur economic activity and community engagement, they can also result in environmental challenges, including increased pollution, waste, and strain on local resources.
The sport industry has potential to influence positive environmental practices, such as promoting sustainable facilities or events and inspiring individuals to appreciate and preserve natural environments through outdoor sports.
Reliance on non-renewable resources and the carbon footprint of major sporting events are ongoing issues that the sport industry must address.

Sports can be a platform for teaching vital lifelong skills such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and respect for rules and opponents.
The profession of athletes as role models can significantly influence attitudes and behaviours, particularly among young people.
The media’s coverage of sport can also shape societal values and beliefs, both positively and negatively. For example, it can help challenge stereotypes and promote diversity, but can also contribute to issues like unhealthy body image, or overly competitive attitudes.