Sale Sharks Foundation has estimated that its programmes and community work across the North West of England between 2024 and 2025 generated more than £11m in social value.

Its first independently assessed social value impact report looked at its sports development, community inclusion and education work in the region.

This found that for every £1 spent a social return on investment of £11.91 was achieved through supporting young people, reducing crime, tackling isolation and improving mental and physical health.

This includes generating £1.1m in social benefit through its young persons’ wellbeing work programmes and more than £583,000 through its schemes to tackle isolation.

"Whether through rugby development, community inclusion or education programmes, we see every day how our work brings people together, builds confidence and helps individuals reach their potential,” said Sale Sharks Foundation interim chief executive Jack Leech.

“None of this would be possible without the commitment and support of our staff, trustees, partners, supporters and the wider Sale Sharks family, and I'd like to thank them all for the role they play in helping us create a positive impact.”

Barry Collins, managing director at Collins McHugh, which carried out the analysis, added: “The social value generated reflects the impressive breadth and depth of the Foundation’s work, using the power of rugby and the Sale Sharks brand to create opportunities, improve lives and support communities.

“This impact is a testament to the dedication of the Foundation’s staff and their shared commitment to making a positive difference both on and off the pitch.”

Schemes it invests in include Tackle Together, which focuses on improving disability awareness and increasing access to sport. This has an estimated social value for the North West of England of more than £871,000 over the two years looked at.

Sarah Marshall, deputy head at Lancasterian School, a community special school in the region that took part, said its Tackle Together sessions “had a powerful impact on our students, promoting inclusion, teamwork and physical confidence”.

---