British pubs are quietly powering the nation’s grassroots and community sports clubs having served up £40 million in financial support over the past year, a new report has revealed.

Pubs Power Sport from PubAid has shone 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 ten 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 1.67 million people have benefited as a result of the support from pubs.

By raising £40 million annually for sports clubs, it is estimated that pubs generate £160 million in social value based on the Government’s social value ratio of £1 invested in sport equals £4 returned.

Des O’Flanagan, co-founder of PubAid, the positive voice for UK pubs, said: “Pubs are an essential but often unseen force behind grassroots and community sport.

“Over two thirds of pubs are even supporting sport more 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.

“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, compares data from a previous study carried out in 2019 which shows that despite the declining numbers of pubs across the UK the £40m matches the levels in 2019.

Football is the biggest beneficiary with 76 percent of pubs supporting a football team or club. This has seen a huge increase from 40% in 2019.

The staple pub sports of darts (26%) and pool (20%) also get strong backing, while rugby is the fourth most popular sport supported at 19% - up from 14% six years ago. Cricket comes in fifth at 13%, a three percent drop from 2019.

The report also highlighted under-represented groups are also feeling the benefit. Youth teams are the most commonly supported group (43%), while people with disabilities and/or mental health conditions (20%), female groups (19%) and the over 55s (15%) are also being backed.

A breakdown into the amounts given, revealed that, of those pubs supporting sports clubs, nearly one third (31%) raise more than £1,000 and four percent of pubs raise more than £5,000 a year.

The main area of support from pubs is sponsorship (60%). This is followed by providing free space for events (43%), raffle prizes (40%), free food and drink (40%), and financial donations (36%).

As for the primary motive for supporting the grassroots sports, the top reason is to ‘strengthen ties with the local community’, with three quarters citing this. Just under half (46%) see it as pride in supporting the area, while the top five reasons are completed with creating a community focussed atmosphere (41%), building loyalty (37%) and reputation (36%).

There are also tangible benefits according to 90 per cent of pubs. More than half (51%) saw increased footfall, 42% have an enhanced reputation, while 40% have seen increased sales.

As part of its 2030 Vision, PubAid is targeting an extra 25% of community sports clubs to have a pub partner.

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

Media contacts: pr@pubaid.co.uk

Survey details

Research methodology

A structured survey was distributed to pubs across the UK

659 responses, covering a representative sample by region, ownership and size.

Fieldwork conducted between 6th-26th August 2025.

Respondents included freehold, leased/tenanted and managed houses (30%, 40%, 26% respectively), plus 3% franchise or other models.

Data was weighted against the national pub population (approx. 44,000 venues, BBPA, 2024).

About PubAid

PubAid is the positive voice for pubs. We exist to celebrate the social contribution that pubs make to their communities, from fundraising and volunteering to supporting local sport. We are a not-for-profit organisation funded by the pub and brewing industry. Our purpose is to gather evidence, share stories and champion the difference pubs make to communities. Our work is guided by a simple belief: pubs are not just places to drink. They are vital community spaces.

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