Do Football Clubs Invest in Local Infrastructure?

How Does Football Affect the UK Economy?

According to the Premier League Economic & Social Impact Report in January 2022, Premier League football contributed £7.6 billion to the UK economy. Additionally, the UK’s top 20 football clubs contributed £3.6 billion in tax, this represents a growth of 840% since 1998. In addition, 72% of the league’s economic impact has occurred outside of London, with clubs in the Midlands and the North of England seeing huge success in recent years.

Whilst directly responsible for high levels of economic growth, football can aid the growth of local businesses. This can range from public houses to newspapers, all enjoying the benefits of their local club. Furthermore, international tourism has a large increase in usage during matchday weekends. The economic growth and increased spending in the area will have a ripple effect on the local property market.

Better Employment Rates, Better Quality Tenants

Premier League football is a business, just like any other. Between 20 Premier League clubs and its governing bodies, top-level football supports around 94,000 jobs. This ranges from high-level executives and media teams to shop assistants. Therefore, helping raise local employment significantly. Similarly, each of the 20 clubs employs an average of 4,700 people. However, in addition to direct job creation, football clubs create external jobs for journalists, shopkeepers, market vendors and many more who indirectly benefit from football.

Whilst this covers the effects of the 20 Premier League clubs, there are a total of 92 professional football clubs in England. Therefore, employment in local areas is much higher nationwide. An example of this is Salford City FC, which is ranked 75^th in the English football pyramid and employs around 100 professionals.  The rise in employment creates a large demand for housing in towns and cities with professional football clubs. The elevated levels of rental and housing demand, boost competition in the area. Therefore, increasing house prices and rents in the area.

How Does This Affect House Prices?

The economic and social impact of football has a direct effect on house prices. High levels of employment increase the demand for quality housing, in towns such as Burnley. A business the size of Burnley Football Club means that demand from skilled professionals is high, therefore, house prices are rising as it creates a supply-demand imbalance. Additionally, regeneration in areas such as Anfield in Liverpool has attracted more homeowners, drawing high numbers of residents out of the city centre.

Some areas directly benefit from being situated close to football stadiums. Average property prices in the postal district of Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium have risen from £59,500 in 1997 to £450,000 in 2017. This is due to the development of the area to accommodate the new football stadium. However, this is not always the case, as in some areas house prices can be negatively influenced due to poor infrastructure, causing congestion, excessive noise, and lack of parking.