E108: Measuring the True Value of Sport - Social Return on Investment Explained

In this episode of Experts in Sport, Professors Paul Downward, Larissa Davies and Simon Shibli speak with host Martin Foster, unpacking the real value of sport and physical activity beyond pounds and pence. From wellbeing gains to NHS savings, community cohesion to volunteering, the panel explores how Social Return on Investment (SROI) evidence is reshaping policy, funding, and local decision‑making across the UK.Measuring SROI 3:55Negative impacts 21:52Wider health value 26:18Examples in communities 35:59Quantifying data 49:09The future 57:08

In this episode of Experts in Sport, host Martin Foster sits down with fitness industry innovator and MyZone founder, Dave Wright. From growing up in the Australian bush to building global businesses, Dave shares the extraordinary, winding path that led him to become one of the sector’s most influential entrepreneurs.He opens up about the origins of MyZone, the challenges and failures behind early prototypes, and the bold decisions that helped the company grow to a valuation of over $100 millionThe start 1:26MyZone 15:53Failures 36:00The purpose of MyZone 41:14Journey as an entrepreneur 53:09Stepping back 1:01:56Background reading 1:10:56For future entrepreneurs 1:16:44

This episode features an in‑depth conversation with Paul Sinton‑Hewitt, founder of parkrun, the world’s largest free physical activity initiative. We trace parkrun’s evolution from a small local time trial to a global public health phenomenon spanning more than 20 countries. Paul discusses community building, volunteer mobilisation, international expansion, social prescribing, and the role of parkrun in driving long‑term health and wellbeing outcomes.Intro 0:00The start 3:14The growth 9:55The evolution 22:15Mission 29:03Going international 30:16Volunteering 37:14Most memorable 45:09Different directions 47:52Social prescription 54:27Lessons learnt and the future 59:46

In this episode of the Experts in Sport podcast Dr James Sanders joins host Martin Foster to explore the NHS 10‑Year Plan and the growing role of digital health tools. Together, we unpack how wearables could support prevention, personalise care, and empower individuals to take control of their wellbeing.Learn more about CLiMB: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/climb/ NHS 10 year plan 2:09Wearables 11:58Improvements in health 19:01Weightloss drugs 26:44Whats next? 30:53The research 40:26

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we go behind the scenes at Loughborough Sport’s world-class Physiology Lab with Rhona Pearce, Physiology Lead. Discover how cutting-edge testing can transform your marathon preparation, from VO₂ max and lactate thresholds to personalised pacing strategies. Whether you’re chasing a PB or tackling your first 26.2 miles, learn why understanding your physiology is the ultimate game-changer. Learn more about Loughborough Sport's physiology testing: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/support-services/physiology/physiology-assessments/ Intro 0:00Marathon training plan 1:47Training to distance 4:25Doing better 10:05Physiological perspective 14:54Wearables 21:24Physiology testing 24:18Understanding the data 30:36Physiology lab at Loughborough Sport 37:01

In this episode we take a look back at some of our hightlights from 2025 including big milestones and a fantastic summer of women's sport.Thank you for all your support this year, lets hope next year is even bigger and better! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Experts in Sport team!#loughborough #university #loughboroughuniversity #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness

In this episode Martin talks to Professor Stacy Clemes and Dr. Grant Charlesworth-Jones to explore the pressing health challenges facing the UK workforce. From rising rates of long-term illness and sedentary lifestyles to the overlooked health crisis among truck drivers, the conversation dives deep into the systemic issues and potential solutions. Drawing on over a decade of research, the guests share insights into the SHIFT programme—Structured Health Intervention for Transport—and discuss how employers, policymakers, and individuals can take proactive steps to improve wellbeing, productivity, and safety across the nationLearn more about the SHIFT programme here: https://www.ncsem-em.org.uk/research/optimising-health-wellbeing/impact/the-shift-study/State of the nation 2:01GP health 7:18Driver health 14:48SHIFT 17:54The issue with truck driving 33:41What are we doing about it? 35:52Driving better health 44:30Changes 47:35Future research 54:19Further information 57:10#loughborough #university #loughboroughuniversity #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history

Lord Sebastian Coe joins the Experts in Sport podcast for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from Loughborough student-athlete to one of the most influential figures in global sport. In this compelling episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from his legendary athletics career, shares untold stories and the immense pressure behind delivering London 2012, and offers his vision for the future of athletics in an increasingly complex world. With candid advice for the next generation of sports leaders, this is a rare and inspiring insight into the mind of a true sporting icon.Arriving at Loughborugh 1:06 Chancellor 11:16 Life after athletics 16:10 London 2012 23:33Spirit of 2012 37:08 Navigating challenges 41:55 Opportunity in athletics 49:13 #loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #sebcoe

In this episode of Experts in Sport, we discuss Where History Begins-Loughborough's Journey Through Sport. Learn about Loughborough's early beginnings in Sport and how we grew into the number 1 university in the world for sport!Where did history begin?: 1:46 Where are we now?: 5:11 The World Wars: 8:28 Military connections: 10:49 Sport Performance: 12:22 Sport education and research: 20:00 Best in the world: 24:53 Olympics and Paralympics: 28:18 The future: 35:04 #loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #100

Every athlete faces performance challenges, but could the answers lie in their data? In this episode, we explore how data-driven innovation is uncovering hidden performance patterns and offering deeper insights into what happens beyond training hours. We also discuss where technology still has room to grow, as we continue unlocking new ways to help athletes get the very best out of themselves.In this episode Dr Samantha Rowland discusses athelte driven data with Liverpool John Moores University's Dr Kelsie Johnson and Loughborough Sport's Olivia Murphy.Data driven innovation: 2:42 Athlete voices: 10:38 Academic barriers: 18:14 Hormonal changes: 23:46 Encouraging participation: 29:40 Data transformation: 33:19 The next generation: 39:20 Next steps: 45:16