In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of social enterprise, sport and exercise science and health promotion. Steve O'Connell, founder of The Football Cooperative, and Dr. Paula Carroll, Senior Lecturer at SETU and Principal Researcher on the Football Co-operative projects join me in studio to chat about their amazing collaboration. We discuss how a simple game of pick up football has evolved into an award-winning social enterprise. We dig into the reality of recreational football as a tool for physical and mental health and Paula breaks down the incredible data behind it, including the staggering €17.60 social return on investment for every €1 spent.Our talking point include:Where it all began: How Steve turned a personal need for flexible football into a nationwide movementThe research: Paula explains how they measure "social value" and validate the impact of community sportWide ranging benefits: not just for men's health, but family, relationships and the wider communityScaling and developing: how the research has helped secure funding and scale a grassroots idea into a national projectYou can find out more here:Football Co-Operative websiteFootball Co-Operative on LinkedInPaula Carroll @ SETU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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