Premier League community programmes to generate £4.3 billion social value by 2028

Football’s influence stretches far beyond the pitch.

The Premier League is highlighting that impact through its More Than A Game initiative, showcasing how investments in communities, grassroots football and youth programmes are transforming lives across the United Kingdom.

Why is the Premier League highlighting its community impact?

Over the next fortnight, the Premier League and its clubs will spotlight the transformative role football plays beyond stadiums through the ‘More Than A Game’ initiative.

The campaign underlines the League’s long-standing commitment to funding community activities run by clubs across multiple levels of the sport. It also emphasises continued investment in non-league football, grassroots facilities and the women’s and girls’ game.

The initiative celebrates the more than 2.5 million people who have participated in Premier League-funded community programmes delivered by clubs from the Premier League, the English Football League and the National League.

An independent study by social research agency Substance estimates that programmes run by club charities and the Premier League Foundation will generate more than £4.3 billion in social value between 2025 and 2028. The impact spans improvements in physical and mental health, education and employment outcomes, while also strengthening social cohesion and community connections.

Matches played between March 14 and 22 will prominently feature the ‘More Than A Game’ message, with particular focus on the League’s flagship community initiatives including Premier League Kicks, the Premier League Stadium Fund and the Football Foundation.

Clubs will also appoint a Community Captain connected to their Premier League Kicks activities. The honour recognises individuals who have made meaningful contributions to both football and society, including participants, coaches, volunteers and programme alumni.

What makes Premier League Kicks one of football’s most influential programmes?

This season marks the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks, a programme that delivers free weekly football sessions combined with personal-development training.

Across England and Wales, 93 clubs from the Premier League, English Football League and National League now run the initiative. Since its launch, more than 600,000 young people have taken part in sessions held at over 5,000 venues.

Many of these sessions are organised in underserved communities, where they provide safe spaces for young people and opportunities to develop confidence, discipline and life skills.

Independent evaluation of the programme has found that 93 per cent of alumni believe participation helped them avoid trouble and negative influences. Meanwhile, 91 per cent say the initiative improved their understanding of crime and anti-social behaviour, shaping their choices and attitudes.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said, "It is thanks to the incredible football we see week in, week out in the Premier League that we are able to invest so widely in all areas of the game.

"This funding has been a priority for us for many years. Through 'More Than A Game', we showcase the significant impact this has had on both people and places.

"Premier League Kicks is our longest-standing community programme, and it has made a real difference to young people across the country. For 20 years, it has helped change lives, and we remain committed to supporting communities connected to clubs throughout the football pyramid.

"We are also proud to have delivered long-term investment into grassroots and non-league football through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund. This has benefited clubs throughout the non-league system and women's game, as well as more than 125,000 grassroots teams up and down the country."

How are football figures supporting the ‘More Than A Game’ campaign?

The campaign launched with a Premier League Kicks showcase event at Gunnersbury Park in West London. Youth teams representing clubs including Brentford F.C., Chelsea F.C., Fulham F.C., Queens Park Rangers F.C. and Watford F.C. took part in the event.

Among the guests were former Premier League defender and Hall of Fame inductee Ashley Cole and Brentford defender Sepp van den Berg. Television personality and former participant Big Zuu also attended and features in a new ‘More Than A Game’ promotional video.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said, "Premier League Kicks shows how powerful early, positive engagement can be in steering young people away from crime. For 20 years it has created safe, trusted spaces where young people can build confidence, find support and make better choices.

"This aligns with our focus on early intervention - through Violence Reduction Units, Young Futures and targeted action to reduce violence - so every young person has the chance to grow up safe and free from the harms of violence, exploitation and knife crime.

"We value the Premier League's partnership in this mission and the role Premier League Kicks plays in strengthening communities and supporting young people to make the positive choice."

How is the Premier League supporting grassroots and non-league football?

The 2025-26 season also marks 25 years of the Premier League’s financial support for grassroots and non-league football through the Premier League Stadium Fund and the Football Foundation.

Over that period, the Stadium Fund has distributed more than 6,200 grants worth over £220 million to 1,000 non-league and women’s clubs.

Meanwhile, the Premier League, the UK government and the The Football Association have jointly invested more than £1.3 billion through the Football Foundation to develop community football facilities used by around 125,000 grassroots teams.

How are smaller clubs benefiting from Premier League funding?

One example highlighted during the campaign is Heaton Stannington F.C., a Northern Premier League club that received £250,000 from the Premier League to upgrade its stadium.

Club co-chair Scott Lyndon said, "Over the last 10 years, we've received a quarter of a million pounds via the Premier League Stadium Fund for crucial projects which have enabled us to grow as a club.

"We've been able to invest in covered seating, the bar, hospitality room and club shop. Through that, we've been able to double our revenue on matchdays and give supporters a better experience."

(With inputs from ANI)