Press Release
Glebe Football Club scores big with social value
19th June 20025
Glebe Football Club brings a significant contribution to community wellbeing, as calculated by the Value FC tool developed by State of Life.
The club generates an estimated £7.40 in social value for every £1 invested, demonstrating the substantial impact of grassroots football on local communities.
Chairman Rocky McMillan said “At Glebe FC, we do more than play football—we have built a community. Every session, every match, and every moment off the pitch adds up to a powerful force for good in people’s lives. From mental health boosts to physical fitness and friendship, our impact on wellbeing is both wide and lasting.
That’s why the opening of our new 3G stadium is so important. It’s not just an upgrade to our facilities—it’s a game-changer for our entire community. It will allow us to expand our programmes, allowing us to offer more inclusive access all year-round. Our stadium opens on 5th July with what we hope will be a great community celebration”
Cllr Mike Jack from Chislehurst Matters said ‘ What a fantastic achievement by Glebe Football Club in Chislehurst! This report highlights the incredible impact that grassroots football has on our community, not just in sport, but in improving health, wellbeing, and social cohesion across the Bromley Borough.
For every £1 invested, a return of £7.40 in social benefit is truly inspiring and shows what’s possible when passion, purpose and people come together. A huge thank you to the Rocky and Grace McMillan along with the other incredible volunteers, players, and all involved at Glebe FC.
I am very proud to see local clubs playing such a powerful role in building stronger, healthier communities!”
A detailed Value FC Impact Report, which outlines the social, wellbeing, and economic value Glebe FC brings to our community was produced using the Value FC tool developed by State of Life for Essex FA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is social value?
We’re not just running a football club, we’re building a community. Social value means measuring the broader benefits that our club brings to everyone involved – from improved physical and mental health, to stronger community bonds and local economic growth. Value F.C. helps us estimate these benefits in terms that funders understand.
Q: How do you measure wellbeing benefits?
We use a simple but powerful question recommended by the Treasury: “Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?” on a scale from 0-10. If our club helps someone move up one point for a year, that’s called a Wellbeing Year (WELLBY), valued at £15,338 in 2023 prices. Our adult players gain 0.093 WELLBYs (worth £1,419) annually, youth players gain 0.371 WELLBYs (£5,661), and volunteers gain 0.066 WELLBYs (£1,007).
Q: How reliable are these figures?
We’re careful not to over-claim. For example, we adjust all benefits down by 40%, acknowledging that some players might find other ways to stay active without our club. While based on national averages, our estimates use methods approved by HM Treasury and values recommended for government business cases. As a club, we’re confident in our input data – our expenditure and participation numbers.
While no social value estimates are precise, sensitivity analysis suggests our return could range from £4.93 to £9.87 per £1 invested.
Q: What other benefits do you measure?
Beyond wellbeing, we estimate:
• Health system benefits: Active adults reduce pressure on the NHS through lower risks of conditions like heart disease
• Economic value: Our spending supports local jobs and businesses
• Volunteer contributions: We value our volunteers’ time at National Living Wage rates, recognizing their crucial investment in community sport
Q: How can I find out more about the club and get involved?
We run teams from U7’s to Adults, for both boys and girls, men and women, as well as Pay N Play and Girls Wildcats for younger players.
Whether you’re interested in joining one of our teams, cheering us on from the sidelines, or lending a hand behind the scenes, we would love to hear from you. contactglebefc@gmail.com or more contact details on our website glebefootball.com
About Glebe FC Chislehurst
Glebe FC is a community-focused football club based in Chislehurst, Kent, proudly representing the local area since 1995. Deeply rooted in grassroots football, the club is dedicated to creating opportunities for players of all ages and abilities—on and off the pitch and will run with almost 40 teams for the 2025/26 season. From youth development to our senior squad competing in the Southern Counties East Football League, Glebe FC is built on values of inclusion, teamwork, and local pride.
Our home at Foxbury Avenue is more than just a ground—it’s a gathering place for families, supporters, and the wider community. Through football, outreach, and partnership, we aim to inspire positive change, promote healthy lifestyles, and bring people together.
For local stories, matchday updates, or to get involved, visit glebefootball.com or follow @glebefootball on social media.