The Youth Sport Trust has today released new evidence demonstrating the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of the Set for Success programme.  

The independent analysis shows that for every £1 invested in Set for Success, £5.63 of social value is generated, illustrating the programme’s significant contribution to improving young people’s wellbeing and life chances.

The study, carried out by Sheffield Hallam University’s School of Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, found that the first year of programme delivery (2023/24 academic year) generated a total estimated social value of £4.06 million. This impact was achieved through two main outcomes:

• Enhanced personal wellbeing: improvements in the life satisfaction and confidence of young participants, valued at £2.39 million.
• Improved future prospects: a reduced likelihood of young people becoming not in education, employment or training, valued at £1.67 million.

Find out more here.

Set for Success is the Wimbledon Foundation’s flagship national programme run in partnership with Barclays and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust. The intensive youth leadership initiative is specifically designed to support young people in under-served communities, who may be at risk of not achieving their full potential for a variety of factors. Participants develop essential life and employability skills through mentoring sessions delivered by inspirational athletes. With recent research from the Resolution Foundation suggesting that one million young people will soon not be in education or employment for first time in a decade, programmes like Set for Success are key to ensuring more young people feel suitably equipped and optimistic for their futures.

In total, 529 young people from 47 schools across the UK took part in Set for Success in its first year, with each participant unlocking benefits worth an average social value of £7,686. During the pilot, the programme proved successful in improving the attitudes, behaviours and key skills of participating young people:

• 86% of young people improved their teamworking skills.
• 73% of young people improved their leadership skills.
• 75% of young people improved their social connectedness.
• 77% of teachers reported an improvement in their students’ behaviour at school.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme was Year 9 student Olivia*. Although she loved sport, dyslexia made learning difficult, affecting her confidence and relationships with teachers. By Year 8, she had become a school refuser, with her attendance dropping to 75%. In 2023, Olivia joined Set for Success, which appealed to her love of sport, desire to help others, and preference for learning outside the classroom. Her attendance rose to 84% during Year 9 and has remained strong ever since. The programme also helped her build better relationships with staff and peers, transforming her school experience.

*Name has been changed to protect her identity.

Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “These findings underline the value of targeted support and investment in young people’s development. Set for Success has shown how the context, values and role models of sport can be harnessed to build young people’s skills, confidence, and resilience, helping them succeed in education, the workplace and in life. With the support of Wimbledon Foundation and Barclays, we are proud to provide the opportunity for many more young people to discover their strengths are and believe in a positive future for themselves.”

Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: “Inspiring the next generation through sport is one of the Wimbledon Foundation’s key goals. Through Set for Success, we aim to give young people facing challenges the skills and confidence to make the most of every opportunity and succeed in every aspect of their lives. We are thrilled to see from this study the valuable contribution the programme is making to improving young people’s wellbeing and life chances.”

Tom Corbett, Group Head of Sponsorship at Barclays, said: “We know that when young people are given the chance to participate in sport initiatives, it can transform lives – building confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. That’s why we invest £5 million each year into grassroots sports programmes like Set for Success, opening up opportunities for every young person to achieve their full potential. As shown through the social impact research, the benefits go far beyond the court or pitch.”

Head to the Set for Success website to discover case studies, reports and learn more about the programme’s impact.