The combination of physical activity and being in nature is recognized as providing a range of significant benefits. The objective of this literature review was to compile an overview of the social benefits and costs associated with outdoor sports within the academic literature and to reflect on the quality of underlying evidence that supports the relationship. A systematic review was carried out with seven partners from different European countries, including Bulgaria, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. From a total of 17,560 studies identified, 133 studies were selected with relevant data extracted to standardized forms. The selected studies have been analyzed with qualitative research methods. A meta-analysis could not be conducted due to the heterogeneity of the study designs and outcome measures. As a result, the review gives an overview of the social impacts associated with outdoor sports which have been clustered to six broad categories: physical health, mental health and wellbeing, education and lifelong learning, active citizenship, crime reduction, and anti-social behavior, as well as additional benefits. The review furthermore revealed gaps in the evidence base which are especially notable in the long-term effects that outdoor sports can have on personal and social development.

Recent and historical evidence suggests that sport creates societal benefits in terms of improved health, reduced crime, improved education and enhanced subjective well-being. However, there is limited empirical research on the monetary value of these non-market outcomes for society. The original research presented in this paper aims to calculate the social impact of sport in England, using a Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework. It is the first time an SROI framework has been used to value the sports sector at the national level. According to our study, in 2013/14 the social value of sports participation in England was £44.8 billion and the total financial and non-financial inputs to sport were £23.5 billion, giving an SROI ratio of 1.91. This means that for every £1 invested in sport, £1.91 worth of social benefit was generated. The research has several implications for policymakers. First, it shows it is possible to use an SROI framework to measure and value the wider benefits of sport to society, which provides a useful benchmarking tool for gathering evidence on the social impact of sport. Second, the research demonstrates that the return on investment in sport in England is positive and substantial, providing policymakers with evidence-based research upon which to better articulate the case for investment in sport. Third, it provides evidence that sport creates value to society across multiple social outcomes, potentially making it a cost-effective investment for addressing social issues across multiple public policy areas.

Regeneration is a concept strongly linked with major sports events. It is often used as a rationale to justify expenditure and gain local support. However, there is limited robust evidence to support the notion that major events deliver longer term urban regeneration. This paper examines the regeneration legacies of the Olympic Games by exploring evidence from previous host cities together with the regeneration legacy plans for London beyond 2012. It discusses the factors that contribute to success; the importance of monitoring and evaluation and the methodological challenges this creates. The paper argues that although regeneration legacies are a realistic expectation for cities that host the Olympic Games, they are dependent upon several success factors and can take many years to be realised. It concludes by suggesting a number of considerations for establishing a framework for holistic regeneration legacy evaluation in the future.

Rationale/Purpose: There is a growing demand from managers and policy makers for evidence on the wider impacts of sport and physical activity. This is driven by the need to demonstrate accountability for public expenditure and effectiveness in relation to public policy. The research presented in this paper addresses a gap in knowledge relating to the social impact of local sport and leisure facilities. Design/methodology/approach: A Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework was used to measure the impact of sport and physical activity across 12 community sport and leisure facilities in Sheffield. A range of methods were used to measure general participation by regular visitors and a targeted therapeutic exercise programme for specific participants. Findings: The research found the social value of outcomes related to general and targeted participation were £21.67 m and £0.26 m, respectively, and that for every £1 spent a SROI of between £1.20 and £3.42 was generated. Practical implications: The research enables managers to identify the value of facilities beyond the financial indicators commonly used in performance management. Contribution: It contributes to knowledge on valuing the non-market benefits of sport. The research provides a methodological example of using SROI to measure the value of local sport and leisure facilities.

In recent years, sport has emerged as a catalyst of regeneration. However, much focus has been on event-related regeneration, with the use of smaller scale sports infrastructure for this purpose receiving less attention. This paper focuses on the contribution of community sports hubs to urban regeneration. Using evidence from a case study of Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub (OJNH) in the UK, it examines the intended sporting, economic, social, physical and environmental outcomes of the project and evaluates whether these are being achieved. The paper argues that although there is evidence to suggest that as a sustainable sports facility, OJNH is achieving its sporting objectives; the regeneration impacts of the project are more variable. The paper concludes that while community sports hubs have the potential to create wider societal impacts, there is a need for further evidence to support the case and leverage maximum benefits for the local community in the longer term.