Club News

Argyle complete Socio-Economic study

Tuesday, 24 June, 2025

Argyle have recently completed a Socio-Economic study in partnership with independent research and strategy practice Sport+ to underline our significance in these areas across the region.

The club is more than a football team; it is an integral part of the city, and Devon and Cornwall, offering social, cultural and economic value, while contributing considerably to the community.

The headline figures show that £85.7million Gross Value Added (GVA) is generated by the club annually for the local and national economy. There has been a 300% increase in revenue since 2018/19 and a 120% increase in employment since 2019.

The club has contributed £5.3million in tax since 2020, which is the equivalent to 108,000 GP appointments, and worked with over 600 suppliers and spent £10.7million towards the fan experience since 2023/24.

Home Park Stadium hosts hospitality on match-days with revenue in this area increasing by 153% over two years, but also now hosts concerts, festivals, conferences, private events and weddings all year round. Stadium hospitality now generates £4.8million a year.

Argyle is also a community and cultural anchor with 85% of our staff being local residents, projects such as Project 35 providing vital resources, and Home Park being used as a mass vaccination site for COVID-19.

Foulston Park is close to completion, which is a £21million investment into elite and community sport. It will provide a home for our fully integrated women’s team and Academy sides.

Upon the release of the study, Argyle Chief Executive Andrew Parkinson commented: “We are aware of the good work the club does for the community and local area, but it is not until you see the impact in statistics that it really hits home how important Argyle is to the city and region.

“The club continues to go from strength to strength off the pitch, making a genuine socio-economic impact and that is a testament to the hard work of our staff who contribute to these statistics’ day in, day out.

“I want to thank everyone at the club for their efforts but also our key community partners and local businesses who make this possible as well. We have a commitment to improve on these statistics, so we have a continued impact for years to come.”

The full report is available to read here.

Key headline statistics

£85.7 million GVA generated by the club annually for the local and national economy
300% increase in revenue since 2018/19 (£25.6m in 2023/24)
120% increase in employment since 2019 (now nearly 400 staff)
£16.8 million in wages paid to direct employees (2024/25, excluding players)
£5.3 million in tax contributions since 2020 – equivalent to 108,000 GP appointments
Over 600 suppliers supported, 24% of which are based in Plymouth
£10.7 million in fan spend beyond the stadium in 2023/24
34% increase in average attendance since 2018/19 (now ~16,500 per match)
247 non match-day events hosted in 2024
153% increase in hospitality revenue over two years

Stadium as a Year-Round Asset

Home Park now hosts concerts, festivals, conferences, private events and weddings
Take That’s 2024 concert was the biggest yet, with over 25,000 attendees
'Alive at Argyle' and 'Relive' festivals attracted 8,000 and 4,000 respectively
Stadium hospitality now generates £4.8 million a year
76% of stadium staff support non-football events

Community and Cultural Anchor

85% of staff are local residents
280 staff employed specifically for non-football events
Club supports Project 35, targeting child poverty in Plymouth
Home Park used as a mass vaccination site for COVID-19
Manadon and Harpers facilities now serve as key local sports and wellbeing hubs
Foulston Park: £21m investment in elite/community sport, creating 22 jobs and new homes for Argyle Women and Academy

Women’s Football & One Club Model