Chester FC Community Trust is proud to share our first Social Value Impact Report, showcasing the difference our work is making to individuals and families across Chester and Cheshire West.
Produced in collaboration with Chester Football Club, the independently assessed report demonstrates the Community Trust creates £10.20 of social value for every £1 spent, helping to deliver £8.7 million of social value into the community.
Working alongside the football club as its charitable arm, the Community Trust provides accessible, impactful programmes focused on health and wellbeing, education, social inclusion, and sport, supporting our vision of happier, healthier and fairer communities with Chester FC at their heart, where everyone is empowered to reach their potential.
The Community Trust engages thousands of participants, including children and young people, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing social isolation, delivering activities including school and post-16 education programmes, mental health and wellbeing sessions, disability and walking football, youth hubs, and community fitness classes.
The report, independently assessed by award-winning CSR consultancy Collins McHugh, demonstrates a Social Return on Investment of £10.20 for every £1 invested, underlining the value of trusted local charities.
Jim Green, CEO of Chester FC Community Trust, said: “It gives me great pride to see the impact of our work captured in this report, and it reinforces how important what we do is to our communities.
“The report is testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, the support and belief of our partners and funders, and the commitment and energy of everyone who engages or participates in our programmes.
“I hope this report illustrates the breadth and depth of the Community Trust’s work, and shows that, while football will always be at our core, we are now about so much more, and we will continue to listen, and respond, to the needs of our community.”
The report also highlights how THE Community Trust aligns its work with Cheshire West and Chester Council priorities, supporting improved health and wellbeing, education and skills, social inclusion, and opportunities for young people and older residents.
Key Headlines
• £8.7 million of total social value generated across Chester and surrounding areas.
• £10.20 of social value created for every £1 invested.
• Thousands of people supported through programmes delivered by Chester FC Community Trust across sport, health and wellbeing, education and social inclusion.
• £1.9 million of social value generated through Social Inclusion programmes, supporting reduced loneliness, improved mental health, increased social integration and children’s wellbeing.
• £1.7 million of social value linked to improved health and wellbeing, including increased physical activity and better mental health outcomes.
• £4.6 million of social value aligned to education, skills and social support, helping young people and adults develop confidence, qualifications and pathways into employment.
• Significant outcomes for older adults, including reduced loneliness and increased social connection through walking football, walking netball and wellbeing activities.
• Inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities, with dedicated disability football and accessible community programmes delivered throughout the year.
• Strong contribution to local priorities, with activity directly supporting Cheshire West and Chester Council objectives around health, education, social cohesion and age-friendly communities.