The Royal Dyche celebrated nationally for its contribution to community sport in Burnley
Burnley pub favourite The Royal Dyche features in a major national industry report unveiled in Parliament this week.
The Pubs Power Sport report from PubAid celebrates pubs across the UK that are driving community sport, and The Royal Dyche is highlighted as a standout example for its impact on grassroots sport, wellbeing and belonging in Burnley.
Launched in Westminster to encourage the Government to recognise pubs as part of the UK’s social infrastructure, the report reveals the immense national contribution made by pubs.
The Royal Dyche is recognised in the report for transforming a once-tired venue into a high-energy community sports hub just a short walk from Turf Moor. Today it is a multi-screen matchday destination and the home of fan meet-ups, pool and darts teams, inclusive sport sessions and year-round wellbeing activity. Its strong partnership with Burnley FC in the Community helps residents reconnect with sport through casual games, organised leagues and mental-health-focused programmes.
The pub’s weekly calendar keeps the community active and socially connected. Regular events such as Free Pool Mondays and local darts and pool leagues bring people together through friendly competition, while Turf Talk, a relaxed Thursday meet-up run with Burnley FC in the Community as part of the Premier League Inside Matters initiative, provides a safe space for supporters to talk football, life and everything in between.
The report found that British pubs raise £40m. every year for grassroots and community sport, support 1.7 million people and deliver 6.7 million sport sessions annually. The social value generated equals £160m., directly supporting national priorities around health, tackling loneliness and improving mental wellbeing.
The report also highlights the pub’s creative fundraising initiatives. Its ‘Little Longside’ installation, a miniature replica of the Turf Moor stand, invites supporters to sponsor seats, with proceeds donated to Burnley FC in the Community’s Mission Possible campaign.
The report, backed by Guinness and Sky Business, highlights how pubs support physical activity, mental wellbeing and community cohesion, all priorities aligned with the Government’s Levelling Up, Health and Prevention and Tackling Loneliness agendas.
As part of its 2030 Vision, PubAid is targeting an extra 25% of community sports clubs to have a pub partner.