“Having spent a major part of my working life at the coalface of football, I can bear witness to how sport can be a powerful catalyst for social change,” writes guest blogger Damian Froggatt, Director of Strategic Projects at Lincoln City Football Club, who has recently joined the Racing Together subcommittee.

My career in football has spanned community outreach, talent pathways, fan engagement and visitor experience, and capital investment. At the same time, I’ve also been fortunate to work with charities devoted to tackling mental health and homelessness – experiences that have deepened my understanding of some of the complex challenges facing today’s society and the importance of meaningful, sustained support.

A privilege and a duty

From projects that promote literacy or tackle discrimination, to shaping facilities and infrastructure that bind communities together, I’ve seen how sport can deliver true social value. As a custodian of a community institution, I see working in football as both a privilege and a duty. It has enabled me to work with some incredible organisations and inspirational people dedicated to improving lives in our communities, and my work is all the richer for those experiences.

And running in parallel is a connection to racing, which like so many in the racing community is rooted in family, friendships, and memories. So, when the opportunity came to support the Racing Together team, it was more than just a professional step. It was a chance to gain insight and to share some of my experiences, in the hope that I might contribute something meaningful to this wonderful sport.

Defining social value is key

Earlier this year, I attended the Racing Together Industry Day and was struck by its passion and warmth – a gathering of people from across the industry debating racing’s social role, public image, and future sustainability. Dido Harding spoke with compassion and conviction; her call for greater collaboration and her belief that racing could be a true force for good resonated powerfully with someone who’s lived that same journey in football.

We already know that racing contributes £4bn to the UK economy, so what about its social value? Last year alone, Lincoln City’s social return to the community was valued at £6.9m, a return on investment of 5:1. And the combined value of all 72 English Football League clubs was estimated at around £1.24bn. It’s only by measuring our impact that we can truly define our social value.

We also know that the breadth of racing’s community work is already remarkable. Pioneering projects such as bowel cancer screening and tackling loneliness, alongside existing charities like Racing to School and programmes such as the Newmarket Pony Academy and Racing Together Community Week are testament to the sport’s commitment and conviction to its social presence – a contribution that deserves to be celebrated far beyond the stable yard and the racecourse.

Offering a fresh view

The BHA’s plan to develop industry-wide strategies for sustainability and social impact shows that the sport is indeed committed to a more collaborative future – amplifying the amazing work already taking place and creating the building blocks for measuring its value. This will only serve to strengthen racing’s future amid a landscape of major economic and social challenge.

This isn’t a story of racing expertise. I’m stepping into the role with humility, curiosity and the deepest respect for all those who live and breathe this sport every day. But whether it’s strategic insight into embedding social and environmental purpose, experience of delivering grant-funded projects, or simply a fresh view on how racing is working collaboratively towards a common goal, I hope to be able to add some value.

Sport truly has the power to deliver transformational change. I’ve seen that in football, and we know that racing has a compelling story to tell. So, here’s to listening more than speaking, learning more than knowing, and hopefully contributing in some small way to a more sustainable future.