Although I’m not from a family with a strong football allegiance, it’s hard not to be a football fan in Stoke-on-Trent. Whether it’s Stoke or Vale, it’s hard to escape the impact of the beautiful game on our city - and this week saw Stoke City come together with Ernst & Young to publish their own economic and social impact report of the value of Premier League SCFC to Stoke-on-Trent.
The report laid out the total economic output in terms of the value to the local economy of the goods, services and spending of the club over the 2015/16 season, culminating in a massive £175m, which also supports around 2,200 jobs in the area.
Perhaps the most surprising figure however is the value of the club’s community work, where it is estimated that for every £1 invested by the club, there is an £11.50 return. This impact is felt right across the life of our city, not just the involvement of the club in supporting young people to get involved in playing football, but also in the general health and well-being of the population.
Definitely a reason to be shouting ”Goarrrrn Stoke!” this season....
You can read the full Ernst & Young report here, with local commentary on the report and launch event in this Sentinel article.