GRASSROOTS football in Scotland is worth £1.25 billion to the nation, according to a new European study published yesterday.

The report, commissioned by European football’s governing body Uefa, in conjunction with the Scottish Football Association (SFA), says there is “unique tangible evidence” of the impact the sport has on Scotland in terms of economic, social and health benefits.

As well as a total social return on investment of £1.25bn, the report also highlights a direct economic impact of more than £200 million, more than £300m in social benefits and a preventative health spend of almost £700m from the grassroots game.

Scotland is one of the first countries across Europe to take part in Uefa’s programme called Grow, which is designed “to create a step-change in grassroots funding by providing unique and tangible that investing in mass participation has a significant impact in terms of economic value, social and health benefits”.

The research involved educational institutions such as Birmingham, Brunel and Loughborough Universities, and featured a case study from Aberdeen FC’s Community Trust.

The report states that football participation is a major contributor to preventative healthcare savings, with around £40m of savings on mental health, calculated at around 5000 cases prevented, almost £25m in cardiovascular disease and £10m in type-2 diabetes.

The game is also credited with making a significant contribution to crime reduction, is proven to assist those not in employment, education or training, and improves education and job creation.

Ian Maxwell, SFA chief executive: “We have known for decades the positive impact football as the national sport has on the population: it can inspire a nation, unite families and entire communities, and make society a better place.

“The findings in the Uefa Grow report outline the extent to which football is a force for good in helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s health and wellbeing agenda, and also the dramatic impact the national game has on the economy.

Zoran Laković, Uefa national associations director, commented: “Football is synonymous with Scotland and we look forward to seeing how the SFA works with its local government at all levels to build on these findings for the good of football and society.”

Describing the report as “an important piece of work”, Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “Football is Scotland’s national game and can be a powerful force for good in our communities.

“As this report clearly states, the many programmes delivered through football are helping people stay active, improve their physical and mental health, and tackle issues ranging from loneliness and isolation to education and community safety.”