British pubs are powering grassroots and community sports clubs, having served up £40 million in financial support over the past year, a new report reveals.
Pubs Power Sport, from PubAid, shines a light on the huge value pubs are providing to the nation’s physical and mental wellbeing through financial and in-kind support of local sports teams and initiatives.
The research shows that more than 6.7 million sport and activity sessions are powered by pubs every year across the UK. Around six in every 10 pubs support a sport-related initiative, and those who do facilitate an average of 20 hours of physical activity per month within their communities.
From financial donations to fundraising and providing facilities, more than 1.67m people have benefited as a result of support from pubs.
By raising £40m annually for sports clubs, it is estimated that pubs generate £160m in social value based on the government’s social value ratio of £1 invested in sport equalling £4 returned.
“Pubs are an essential but often unseen force behind grassroots and community sport,” said Des O’Flanagan, co-founder of PubAid. “Over two-thirds of pubs are even supporting more sport now than in 2019, despite the challenges of the last six years for the sector.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
The report, backed by Guinness and Sky Business, showed that despite the fall in the number of pubs across the country, the £40m given in 2025 matches the levels of support in 2019.
However, despite injecting £40m, pubs would like to be able to do more to support grassroots and community clubs, but 86% say that barriers are preventing them from doing so. The biggest barrier is a lack of budget, with 68% saying it’s hard to find the funds to make a difference. Some pubs (19%) do question the return of investment, while 15% admit to a lack of awareness on how to support a local group.
The full report can be accessed here.
