Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is generating £24 million of social value for residents of Haringey, Enfield and surrounding London boroughs.
This is the key finding of a new impact report that was officially launched during a celebration of the Foundation’s work at the House of Commons on Monday night – it equates to £10.38 of social value for every £1 invested.
Social value is a way of measuring the impact created by an organisation, as part of its everyday output – the Foundation inspires, empowers and transforms the lives of local people through a range of one-to-one and group sessions spanning football and multi-sports, educational enrichment, health and wellbeing, and employability.
This calculation is based on an accepted national formula, considering not only the monetary value offered by the Foundation’s free programmes, but the benefit to society through its direct impact on people’s lives, the economy and the environment.
The Foundation is fully inclusive and engages a wide cross-section of society, including vulnerable groups such as children in care, those leaving the criminal justice system, students at risk of exclusion and residents recovering from serious illness.
Marc Leckie, Foundation chief executive, said: “We’re proud to have supported over 13,000 local residents with more than 10,500 hours of targeted support throughout the last season, making a tangible difference to people’s lives.
“Our commitment to inspiring and empowering individuals, regardless of their background or circumstance, is at the heart of everything we do.
“The impact we’ve made is a testament to the dedication of our team and the support of our partners, and we’re now excitedly looking ahead to our 20th anniversary year, when our vital work to create positive lasting change across north London will continue to grow.”
David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, who hosted Monday’s event in Parliament, said: “I’ve been well aware of the real and lasting difference the Foundation makes in my constituency for many years now and it’s exciting to see the Foundation’s developing and continuing to support communities in our north London home.
“We know all about the power of sport to unite and inspire, but what’s even more powerful is using that very platform, along with the considerable opportunities created by the Foundation and the Stadium, to change lives, break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.”
Among the 13,000-plus people to have benefited from Foundation support is Sharday Reid, who has taken part in its Shape Up with Spurs fitness programme, Spurred 2 Coach coaching programme, Level Up Network employability programme and Start Something entrepreneurship programme. She is currently doing an International Sports Convention scholarship, having been supported onto it by the Foundation last year.
Sharday, 25, from Haringey, explained: “For many years before finding the Foundation, I wasn’t in the best of places, I didn’t have much of a direction in life, I was involved with the wrong crowds and I didn’t want more for myself.
“However, the inclusivity of the Foundation opened many doors for me. It’s awakened my passion and what I can do for the community – my friend and I are planning to provide health workshops. Before the Foundation, I didn’t have any of these aspirations because I just never thought it was possible.”
The Foundation is Tottenham Hotspur’s official charitable body and sits within one of the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England, with some surrounding local authority wards amongst the 5% most deprived.
Average weekly pay in the area was 17% lower than the national average in 2020. Unemployment, child poverty and crime are all above the London average, particularly in Tottenham itself.
The impact report was carried out by research and technology company Substance.
Tim Crabbe, Substance chief executive, said: “Tottenham Hotspur Foundation consistently displays progress and positive change. Expected returns for future years are likely to push over £30 million of social value and beyond if the same level of participant progress is achieved, accompanied with new exciting projects and programmes.”
The Foundation is only able to carry out its work thanks to the support of funders including the Club, Premier League Charitable Fund and People’s Postcode Lottery.
Find out more about how you can support it to continue making a positive impact at www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-club/foundation/support-us.