Key Points
- Cardiff City FC Community Foundation has generated more than £66 million in social value over the last two seasons.
- The charity delivered £32.9 million in social value in 2024/25 alone.
- Independent analysis found that every £1 invested in the Foundation returned £19 in benefits for people and communities across Cardiff and South Wales.
- The 2024/25 impact included £17.4 million from health and wellbeing outcomes, £10.2 million from social and community outcomes, and £4.9 million from education and employment outcomes.
- Participant data showed 93% reported a stronger sense of belonging, while nine in ten said their wellbeing improved.
- The assessment was carried out by Substance, a specialist organisation that measures the impact of sport and community projects.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) July 6, 2026 – Cardiff City FC Community Foundation has said it generated more than £66 million in social value over the last two seasons, according to new independent analysis published by the club’s official charity. The Foundation said it delivered £32.9 million in social value in 2024/25 alone, with every £1 invested producing £19 in benefits for communities across Cardiff and South Wales. The charity said the figures reflect work focused on health, wellbeing, stronger communities, education and routes into training and employment.
How was the social value measured?
As reported by the Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the analysis treated social value as the financial measure of outcomes that are often felt by individuals and communities but are not always counted directly. The report said this includes changes such as improved mental health, greater physical activity, stronger community connection and better educational outcomes.
The assessment was carried out by Substance, which the charity described as specialists in measuring the impact of sport and community organisations.
Substance said its model uses academic research, participant data and recognised public value measures to estimate benefits such as reduced health risks, improved wellbeing and increased employability.
What did the 2024/25 results show?
The Foundation said £17.4 million of the 2024/25 figure came from health and wellbeing improvements, including physical health, mental health and life satisfaction.
A further £10.2 million came from social and community outcomes, including stronger relationships, greater cohesion and a stronger sense of belonging.
Education and employment outcomes contributed £4.9 million, reflecting gains in qualifications, confidence, transferable skills and pathways towards work. Additional value from volunteering, donations, in-kind help and facilities added more than £329,000.
What did participants say?
The charity’s participant data suggested the work had a direct effect on people using its programmes. In 2024/25, 93% of participants said they felt a stronger sense of belonging in their community.
Nine in ten said their mental, emotional or physical wellbeing had improved, while the same proportion reported stronger peer relationships and better attitudes towards learning.
The Foundation also said 88% of participants reported a better understanding of the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Who does the work support?
The Foundation said its work is especially important for children, young people and families facing barriers linked to poverty, health, confidence, education, isolation and community safety. It said it delivers targeted programmes for young people at risk of disengagement, exploitation and long-term disadvantage.
That work includes collaboration with the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Prevention Unit. The charity said mentoring, education, sport and community-based support are used to help young people build trust and make positive choices.
What did the leadership say?
Zac Lyndon-Jones, chief executive of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said generating more than £66 million of social value over two seasons was a “remarkable achievement”.
He added that the figures represent “real people” whose lives have been changed through improved wellbeing, greater confidence, stronger connections and new opportunities.
Ken Choo, Cardiff City FC executive director and chief executive, said football has a “unique power” to bring people together and change lives. He said the most important part of the figure is that it reflects people feeling healthier, more confident, more connected and better able to fulfil their potential.
Background to the development
The Foundation’s latest results follow a 2023/24 social value figure of £33.4 million, meaning the two-season total now stands at more than £66 million.
The charity has previously said its work creates measurable impact through health interventions, educational programmes and community support. Its recent reporting has also highlighted large-scale engagement across its programmes, including more than 150,000 attendances across activities in the 2024/25 season.
The current announcement builds on that wider body of work by translating community outcomes into a financial estimate that can be tracked year by year.cardiffcityfcfoundation.
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Prediction
For people and organisations across Cardiff and South Wales, this development is likely to strengthen the case for continued investment in community football programmes, youth support and early intervention projects.
It may also help local partners, funders and public bodies view the Foundation’s work as a practical tool for improving wellbeing, engagement and social cohesion.
For families and young people who already use the charity’s services, the likely effect is continued access to support that can improve confidence, connection and pathways into learning or work.
