THE sports sector in Southampton’s economy shrank by almost 55 per cent in the wake of the pandemic, a report has said.

The number of people employed in the sports economy in the city fell by 46.5 per cent, from 2,310 to 1,235, in 2020, researchers found.

Total gross value added (GVA) from the sector fell 54.7 per cent, from £97.7million to £44.3m, according to the report, Competing for Growth, by law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economic and Business Research.

Bournemouth had the best performance on the south coast but still saw the value of its sports sector fall from £76.9m to £61.9m.

The report makes three recommendations to government:

  • Unlock funding to support the further growth of women’s professional sport, including the Women’s Super League;
  • Provide funding and guidelines for green objectives for sports clubs;
  • Legislate for a new independent regulator for English football to help with financial sustainability.

The report highlights the positive impact of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 football tournament. It says more investment – together with the benefits of the Rugby Football Union’s plans to reach 100,000 players by 2027 – would provide a major boost to local economies.

Thomas Barnard, partner and national head of Irwin Mitchell’s sports sector team, said: “Looking at the report through the lens of the south coast provides some key insights into the impact of sport on local economies and what can be done to improve the outlook for the future.

“The report demonstrates a clear relationship between the number of professional teams in high-tier sports leagues and levels of economic growth and employment generated as a consequence.

“It also makes clear that women’s sport can be a way to build on the economic dividend the sector can supply and the south coast has the means to do it. Brighton & Hove women already play in the Super League and there’s every incentive to help Southampton, who play in the FA Women’s Championship, to join them.

“Capitalising on the growing popularity of women’s sport is an easy way for cities to make the most of an often-neglected segment of the local economy. The field is an area ripe for green initiatives and has the potential to deliver the most practical benefits for modest investment, at a time when all are feeling the effects of the national economic squeeze on finances.”