A study conducted by South East Technological University (SETU) researchers on a unique social enterprise, shows that for every €1 invested in The Football Cooperative (FC) games, there is a return of €17.60 in social value.
Founded with the aim of fostering sportsmanship, life-long learning, and a sense of belonging, FC provides a safe, competitive, and welcoming environment for men of all ages and abilities. The cooperative is making significant strides in promoting community and inclusivity through informal 'pick-up football' games.
Currently operating at two sites, the FC initiative uses football as a platform to bring men together for twice-weekly evening games on all-weather AstroTurf pitches. Participants play for a nominal fee, with teams selected by coordinators who balance players’ fitness, ability, and position to ensure competitive and engaging matches.
In 2021, the FC initiative partnered with researchers at SETU to evaluate the social impact of their games. Employing a Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, a substantial return was determined. This was accredited by Social Value International in February 2024, demonstrating FC’s significant positive impact on participants, their families, and their wider communities. Additionally, the project has played a key role in building research capacity at SETU, illustrating the potential for collaboration between social enterprises and academic institutions.
FC’s mission is not just to provide physical activity but to cultivate social ties, strengthen communities, and foster inclusivity. Its far-reaching impact includes aiding the integration of marginalised groups and contributing to research career development at South East Technological University (SETU). The project is also a powerful example of how interdisciplinary research can support public health interventions and be successfully scaled to have widespread societal benefits. Promoted through social media and word of mouth, the initiative remains open to new members and aims to expand to up to 60 sites across Ireland in the next three years.
"We're thrilled with the findings of the SROI study, which highlights the value that FC brings to individuals and society as a whole," said Dr Paula Carroll, Senior Lecturer, Researcher at SETU and Principal Investigator on the Football Cooperative project. "Our vision is to grow our initiative to up to 60 sites, making it accessible to men across the country who may benefit from the camaraderie and support that FC provides."
At SETU, Dr Carroll is excited about the career development opportunities that the project continues to provide. She stated, “Along with the recent recruitment of two PhD scholars, SETU plans to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher and a Research Assistant for the Football Cooperative project before the end of the year.”
The Football Cooperative is committed to expanding its reach, driving positive change, and fostering stronger communities through the power of football. The organisation welcomes new members at both its current sites and encourages anyone interested to join this growing movement.
