How popular is football in Dorset?

Football is immensely popular in England due to its deep-rooted history and cultural significance.

From a young age, children are introduced to football at school and that helps them develop a lifelong passion for the sport.

Grassroots football is popular because it’s accessible and community driven.

It helps develop young talent and promotes inclusion and health across all ages and backgrounds.

According to the Football Collective, over 8 million people play grassroots football in the UK, supported by more than 40,000 local clubs.

In Dorset, the most popular sports are walking, running, football, swimming and cycling.

Dorset has a coastal environment, so leisure and outdoor activities are more popular than just competing in team sports.

Football is the most popular team sport in Dorset but far behind walking (40%+) and fitness activities (20%+).

There are a lot of reasons why people play non-professional football.

For many, it is the love of the game and the enjoyment of competition that keeps them involved, even when the financial rewards are minimal or non-existent.

Additionally, non-professional football offers an outlet for maintaining physical fitness and mental well-being.

It allows individuals to challenge themselves, set goals, and experience the excitement of matches, all while balancing their sporting commitments with their regular jobs and personal lives.

Based on Sport England’s Active Lives Survey and Active Dorset local insight reports, roughly 7–9% of adults in Dorset play football at least twice in a 28‑day period.

This equates to about 30,000–35,000 people across the county.

Football is the most popular team sport, but far behind walking (40%+) and fitness activities (20%+).

Local clubs helps create strong social networks, reduce isolation and build community cohesion.

Grassroots football brings people together across age, gender and background and supports volunteer roles that keep clubs running like the Bournemouth Poppies, which is the oldest football club in Bournemouth.