Heterogeneous sports participation and labour market outcomes in England

Abstract

Based on a unique composite dataset measuring heterogeneous sports participation, labour market outcomes and local facilities provision, this paper examines for the first time the association between different types of sports participation and employment and earnings in England. Clear associations between labour market outcomes and sports participation are established through matching estimation whilst controlling for some important confounding factors. The results, which are supplemented and supported by a formal sensitivity analysis, suggest a link between different types of sports participation to initial access to employment and then higher income opportunities with ageing. However, these vary between the genders and across sports. Specifically, the results suggest that team sports contribute most to employability, but that this varies by age across genders and that outdoor activities contribute most towards higher incomes.

Physical Activity of Adults: A Survey of Correlates, Determinants, and Effects

“…Moreover, they also observe a positive relationship between physical activity and youth employment for 26 to 45 years old individuals. Although causal relationship cannot be strictly established in Lechner and Downward (2013), the amount of information on the individuals and their physical activity, as well as the results of a substantial formal sensitivity analysis suggest that the impact of endogeneity due to confounders is somewhat limited.…”

“…over a 16-year period for adults who practise sports at least monthly (with respect to physically inactive or less active people). Lechner and Downward (2013) estimate the gain of different sports on annual household income between 4300 and 6500 GBP p.a. for 26 to 45 years old men and between 3400 to 5300 GBP p.a.…”

“…Indeed, the assumption tested in the paper suggests that the regional prevalence of sports participation is related to the labour market situation. Interestingly, Lechner and Downward (2013) analyse the impact of sports participation on employment among different age groups. The authors use semi-parametric matching methods on a 21 The literature on the characteristics of the jobs performed by physically active people focuses on adolescent physical activity and is therefore excluded from this survey.…”

Sports, exercise, and labor market outcomes

“…It finds an average increase of €1,200 a year over a 16-year-period for adults who are more active. Another study that analyzes earnings effects estimates the effects of different sports on annual household income in England finds gains of £4,300-£6,500 a year for men aged 26-45 and £3,400-£5,300 a year for women of the same age, with the results varying with type of sports [9]. For men, outdoor sports and then fitness sports have the strongest correlation with earnings, while for women it is racquet sports for those aged 26-45 and outdoor sports for those aged 46-64.…”

“…Another non-experimental study analyzes the impact of sports participation on employment among different age groups, using a series of cross-section data from the Active People Survey (commissioned by Sports England) [9]. The sports information is extremely detailed, making it possible to investigate the effects of different types of sports.…”