Loughborough University Spearheads Social Impact in UK Sport’s Major Events Strategy
Loughborough University has been designated as one of UK Sport’s inaugural Event Social Impact Partners, marking a significant step towards leveraging the power of major sporting events to drive positive social change. This partnership, announced at UK Sport’s annual Event Partners Day, aligns with UK Sport’s recently launched "Making Live Sport Matter" initiative, a strategic framework committed to embedding social impact as a core element of major events hosted in the UK. Loughborough University will collaborate with Access Sport, Coach Core Foundation, and StreetGames, bringing a wealth of expertise to this innovative endeavor, focusing on the LA 2028 cycle and beyond. This collaboration signifies a pivotal shift towards a more holistic and impactful approach to hosting major sporting events.
The partnership between Loughborough University and UK Sport aims to develop a centralized social impact strategy and structure for the sector. This framework will be grounded in scalable solutions, evidence-based methodologies, and best practice examples. The goal is to create a blueprint for future events, ensuring that they leave a lasting positive legacy within communities. Loughborough University’s extensive sports ecosystem, which includes renowned academic staff, world-class athletes, coaches, practitioners, and volunteers, will play a crucial role in demonstrating the tangible societal benefits of major events across the UK.
Professor Jo Maher, Loughborough University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, expressed immense pride in the university’s selection as a social impact partner, emphasizing the alignment with the university’s strategic vision of "creating better futures, together." She highlighted the university’s commitment to delivering meaningful change and the instrumental role its comprehensive sports ecosystem will play in providing tangible evidence of the social value generated by major events. Professor Maher’s statement underscores the dedication and enthusiasm within Loughborough University to maximize the positive societal impact of these partnerships.
UK Sport’s Head of Events, Esther Britten, articulated the overarching ambition of utilizing major events hosted in the UK to catalyze meaningful societal change within host communities. She emphasized the potential of these partnerships to amplify existing efforts by event hosting partners and to empower them to achieve their ambitions in areas where they may lack capacity. The selection of Loughborough University, Access Sport, Coach Core Foundation, and StreetGames reflects their recognized expertise, extensive networks, and significant influence within the sector, positioning them to make a substantial difference in driving social impact.
Dr. Verity Postlethwaite, Loughborough University’s co-lead on the project, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the support from UK Sport and Loughborough University in strengthening meaningful partnerships and leveraging research and innovation. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to work closely with the major events sector, tackling challenges and developing solutions to effectively measure and demonstrate the social impact of events. Dr. Postlethwaite highlighted the team’s commitment to fostering equitable benefits for diverse groups across the events landscape, ensuring inclusivity and maximizing positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Loughborough University’s consistent top rankings and recognition for research excellence, particularly in sports-related subjects, further solidify its position as a leader in this field. Its commitment to impactful research and its strong ties with industry make it an ideal partner for UK Sport in this groundbreaking initiative. This collaboration promises to redefine the way major sporting events are planned and executed, prioritizing social impact alongside athletic achievement, and creating a more sustainable and equitable future for communities across the UK. The partnership represents a significant advancement in the strategic utilization of major events as catalysts for positive social change, setting a precedent for future collaborations and ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive society.