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 movement
• The research: Paula explains how they measure "social value" and validate the impact of community sport
• Wide ranging benefits: not just for men's health, but family, relationships and the wider community
• Scaling and developing: how the research has helped secure funding and scale a grassroots idea into a national project

You can find out more here:

• Football Co-Operative website
• Football Co-Operative on LinkedIn
• Paula Carroll @ SETU

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