The benefits of sport in terms of building a community and finding a space for everyone are well known.

Today in Dublin, though, there was a bit more meat put on their bones with the launch of a new Social Return on Investment report from the Football Cooperative.

Steven O’Connell wanted to create an opportunity for men, regardless of age, ethnicity, fitness or ability, to meet up and play games of football.

It brings back memories of childhood when pick-up games were the story of our youth and still are today around the world.

Along the way, in Dublin and Limerick, he has built a social enterprise that is not-for-profit but which creates a dividend for all those whose lives it positively impacts.

It has produced 349 matches, with 608 registered players from 70 different nationalities and 6,382 instances of participation that would not otherwise have happened.

That is a bold start, and today’s report, published in conjunction with South East Technological University, provides evidence that there can and should be more to come.

This is exactly the kind of initiative that the Government can support and scale up, and it was heartening to have Minister of State Colm Burke, responsible for Public Health and Wellbeing, attend today’s gathering in the Oak Room at the Mansion House.

In recent years, there has been a necessary focus on Women’s sport in both Government and National Governing Body thinking.

We have been proud cheerleaders of that, but it was never to be to the exclusion of men, and this is something we can all get behind as well.

Our next Sponsorship marketplace will feature a way for companies to get involved. If you would like to know more about the opportunity in advance or find out more about the work that Steven and his team of volunteers are delivering, get in touch, and we will make the right connection.

 

 

Sport for Business, in partnership with Allianz, will hold the 2024 Sport for Business Sport for Social Good Conference on Thursday, October 24th. This is one of many events currently in planning for the remainder of 2024.

Register your interest to attend a Sport for Business event here.

 

The Football Cooperative, the FAI, IFA and Sky Ireland are all members of the Sport for Business Community.

 

The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations including all the leading sports and sponsors, commercial and state agencies. 

Find out more about joining us today.

 

Check out our upcoming events to discover ways of connecting in person with our membership.