Growth in England's sports economy is outstripping the economy as whole, according to figures released yesterday by Sport England.

According to research by Sheffield Hallam University's Sport Industry Research Centre, spend on sport - which includes everything from participation, to tickets, clothing, equipment and employment - doubled between 2000 and 2005, from £10.37bn to £15.47bn.

Consumer spending rose from £11.81bn to £16.58bn and the number of jobs rose from 434,000 to over 500,000, making sports-related employment account for 1.8 per cent of all employment in 2005.

Sports clothing accounted for 20 per cent of the spend; subscriptions and fees for another 20 per cent; sports equipment for 19 per cent and admission to events 4 per cent.

Birmingham City Football Club CEO, Karren Brady, says this research shows how important sport is to the wealth of the nation: "More people are using their wages to go and watch matches, buy sports clothing or splash out on the latest sports equipment.

"More importantly, new jobs are being created and sports clubs are benefiting from an increase in subscriptions."