Sport and Recreation Alliance club survey reveals that finances, membership and access are declining

Paul Dancey on 23/01/2012

The Sport and Recreation Alliance's survey of sports clubs in the UK has indicated a worrying outlook for the financial health, membership levels and facility access of many of the UK's 150,000 clubs.

The survey, which questioned 2,000 sports clubs and covered 40 different sports, has revealed that the average club surplus has fallen to just over £1,000, a drop of 45% since 2008, with more than 28% of sports clubs reporting an operating loss, and a further 23% only just breaking even.

The survey also found that average annual club income has fallen by 15% and adult membership by 11% since 2008. With 53% of sports clubs reporting volunteer retention as an issue, 64% of clubs having concerns about recruiting new members, and 61% citing generating sufficient income as one of their concerns.

The chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, Tim Lamb, said: "With a home Olympic and Paralympic Games, 2012 will be a huge year for sport in the UK so it's going to be important that we make the most of it.

"A number of good schemes to promote a legacy from the Games are now reaching a critical point.

"It's vital that local and central Government work closely with the sector to deliver the full potential of the Games to get people more active."

"It seems that many clubs are witnessing a worrying vicious circle.

"As membership levels fall, club incomes drop.

"Clubs then reduce their spending and investment in the club infrastructure is reduced.

"In turn, this can make the club offer less appealing.

"Ultimately, this will make it difficult to retain or attract members.

"The concern is that if economic conditions worsen we will lose many clubs that are a vital part of the fabric of our communities, and with them, their facilities, expertise and a generation of volunteers."

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