Bohemian FC Social Impact Report launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin
Bohemian FC have announced their Social Impact Report 2018-2023, a first in League of Ireland Football, which was launched this morning at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain.
This report, commissioned by the club and undertaken by accredited social value practitioner, Sandra Velthuis of Whitebarn Consulting, assesses Bohs’ influence between 2018 to 2023, a period marked by rapid growth, many new initiatives, and the planning of a major redevelopment of its home, Dalymount Park.
In-depth research was undertaken, and the views of more than 1,400 individuals and organisations were sought. The detailed results of the study, including the ‘theory of change’ that underpins the club’s way of working, can be read here.
Speaking at today’s launch, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, said:
“Through their work in Dublin 7 and well beyond, Bohemians have shown how football can be a space for inclusion, for healing, for expression, and for community building. This report, developed in partnership with Whitebarn Consulting, shows in euros and cents just how far that value reaches.
“Sport has always had a unique role in Irish life. It’s a source of passion, of joy, and of belonging. But it’s also something more. At its best, sport builds the social fabric of our communities. It helps us become better neighbours, more engaged citizens, and more connected human beings.
“I want to commend Bohemians for the leadership they’ve shown in recent years. From refugee integration and youth development, to community health initiatives and cultural engagement, the club has consistently shown what’s possible when sport is rooted in values and in people.
“This report presents the evidence needed to make the case — to City Council, to government, and to partners across the city — that community-focused football is not just valuable, but essential.”
Bohemian FC president, Matt Devaney, said:
“As the club looks forward to an imminent full redevelopment of Dalymount Park and all the opportunities that it will present to us, it is more important than ever that we deliver for our shared communities and wider society.
“At Bohemian Football Club our mission is to use football as a force for good in society, this report sought to understand if we do this, and if so to what extent.
“The club strives to be ‘a force for good’ both on and off the football pitch and this report now provides an invaluable foundation on which to continue to generate and track our impact beyond league tables.
“This report confirms that Bohs is far more than just a football club; it is a progressive social institution contributing to the wellbeing of communities in Dublin and beyond.”
Highlights of the report include:
- The club delivers very real and largely positive outcomes for individuals and organisations and created an estimated social value of at least €51 million, representing a significant return on investment of €8.5m per year over the period.
- Voluntary effort was a major driver of the club’s success and was valued at just under €2.3 million for the period under review.
- Membership and season ticket numbers grew substantially, from 929 in 2018 to 3,102 in 2023. The fanbase became increasingly diverse and representative of wider society.
- A dizzying array of activities took place that included the playing of football at all levels, as well as initiatives around health/wellbeing, accessibility, anti-discrimination/integration, crime prevention/rehabilitation, climate justice/sustainability and arts/heritage.
- The publication of the club’s Football Social Responsibility/Community Strategy 2023-2027 was a key milestone.
- By far the greatest social value was generated for those who play football with the club, from professional players to those engaging with the sport through community outreach, and everyone in between. The benefits of playing include skills development, physical and mental health gains and the chance at a better future. Families of players also received benefits.
- The next most significant group in terms of social value creation was fans for whom a strong sense of belonging is notable. Social value was also generated in various ways for club staff and volunteers, club partners and others.
- The research confirms that BFC is far more than just a football club; it is a progressive social institution contributing to the wellbeing of communities in Dublin 7 and beyond. Its continued success and future sustainability now depend on consolidation and a very clear strategic focus ensuring that its core identity as a football club remains central to all its activities.
