The Well-Being and Social Value of Playing Soccer for Women and Men

A summary of the research:

The study by Downward et al. (2024) investigates the impact of soccer participation on well-being and social capital across different forms of soccer, focusing on potential gender differences. The authors analyzed survey data from eight European countries, differentiating between 11-a-side, small-sided, and informal soccer formats. Their findings reveal that women experience greater well-being and social benefits from playing soccer than men, especially in less formal soccer formats. This outcome suggests that the social value derived from soccer might vary significantly based on both gender and the type of participation, highlighting how informal forms of play may enhance the returns on well-being and social capital.

The study underscores the importance of promoting women's soccer, especially in informal settings, as the monetary value attached to these benefits is higher for women. For example, women participating in small-sided games experience a more substantial social return than those playing in traditional 11-a-side formats. This difference calls for policymakers and sports organizations to consider prioritizing investments in less formal soccer opportunities for women to maximize social and well-being benefits.

Key Takeaways

1. Women derive greater well-being and social benefits from playing soccer than men, with informal soccer formats providing the highest value.

2. Small-sided and informal soccer formats yield higher social and well-being returns than traditional 11-a-side soccer, particularly for women.

3. To maximize social returns, investment should focus on increasing informal and small-sided soccer opportunities for women.

Authors: Paul Downward , Pamela Wicker, & Tim F. Thormann

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