Dr John Wilson contributes significantly to Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group report on the importance of sport for society

A new report, A Question of Sport: An inquiry into the cultural value of sport to the North, has been published.

Stakeholders at the Question of Sport report launch event.

The (NCAPPG) was established in 2021 to provide a strong and cohesive voice in Parliament. It brings Northern MPs and Peers from all parties together to advocate for Northern Culture, heritage and sport.

A new report has been released emphasising how important it is that sport is fully invested in and supported in the North. The launch of the Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group’s (APPG) Question of Sport report calls for a ‘Northern Sporting Powerhouse’. The report makes it clear that coordinated investment in sports infrastructure will not only uplift local economies but create a healthier, more inclusive society in all parts of the North.

Building upon his previous research focusing on the value that football adds to 91Ö±²¥, Dr John Wilson, University Teacher in Change, Organisations and Change Management, conducted extensive research that formed the foundations for the report.

John’s research found that sport is hugely beneficial for the Northern economy: every £1 invested in a major Northern sporting event returns £6 to the local economy. In addition, every £1 spent on sport creates £4 in health and social benefits, reducing NHS demand. John, alongside a wide variety of stakeholders who provided evidence for the report, highlighted how sport builds strong communities and opportunities for the North, unlocking skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership that are crucial for building a cultural talent pipeline in the North.

John Wilson at the Question of Sport report launch.

The report was launched at an event hosted in Westminster on 25 November where John was invited to share his reflections, alongside other stakeholders including: Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby and Co-chair of the soon-to-be-registered NCAPPG; Levi Ashton, Project Officer - Sport, Leisure and Health for 91Ö±²¥ City Council; Gary Hetherington, CEO of Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club; Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity for Mind; and Sarah Bellew, Head of Communications for Women in Sport.

Some key findings and recommendations from the report

  • Sporting events in the North generate significant economic impact. For every £1 invested in major events, an estimated £6 is returned to local communities, enhancing high street footfall and stimulating the visitor economy.
  • Sport is woven into the very fabric of Northern life. From the origins of professional football in Manchester to the Rugby League's heritage in Huddersfield, sport brings communities together, fosters pride in local identity, and strengthens the North’s cultural brand. These cultural anchors attract investment and tourism, benefiting local economies.
  • Sport plays a vital role in tackling health disparities prevalent in the North. Physical activity initiatives improve life expectancy and reduce health inequalities. Social prescribing through sports has shown success in reducing demand on the NHS by helping people stay active, build resilience, and improve mental health.
  • Sport acts as a social equaliser, fostering inclusion and resilience. It provides youth with vital life skills like teamwork and discipline, reducing crime and supporting educational attainment. The report highlights successful partnerships between professional Rugby League club, Huddersfield Giants and the government National Citizen Service scheme, using sport to engage underrepresented communities.
  • The report recommends that sport be prioritised in the Northern cultural strategy. Key policy suggestions include: devolving funding to Northern authorities, simplifying grant applications, and encouraging cross-sector partnerships to break down silos between sports, arts, and culture.