Home crowd can boost an team's chances of winning by over half, study finds

A team of statisticians have found that a home crowd can increase an athlete or team's chances of winning by 62%.

The researchers analysed over three decades of results from 25 different sports, tournaments and events to determine the impact of home crowds on performance, revealing a significant advantage.

Top-tier footballers are 28% more likely to win when their fans are cheering them on. Among the home nations, the England football team benefits the most, with the Three Lions' chances increasing by 24.5%.

In rugby, Ireland's national teams' home advantage boosts their performance to the tune of 16.9%.

Meanwhile, the England cricket team are 8.7% more likely to secure a victory at home across all formats of the sport.

A home crowd at the Olympics generally increases athletes' medal chances by nearly 5%, with beach volleyball (17%), triathlon (10%) and judo (9%) contestants more likely to clinch gold in an event on home soil.

The research was commissioned by Team GB sponsor NatWest, to promote its Travel Reward Credit Card, which offers 1% back in rewards on travel spend at home and abroad.

Sports and exercise psychologist, Dr Andrea Furst, commented: "In my experience, working with athletes across a variety of sports and at different levels, one element consistently stands out - the profound influence of fans encouraging athletes to challenge their limits."

"In an arena of fine margins, supporters giving their all in cheering on an athlete often triggers a surge in athletes' determination and can create that crucial extra per cent."

"This comprehensive study highlights the psychological dynamic between athletes and their supportive spectators and reinforces both the importance of fan engagement and the influence they will have about successes in this summer of sport."

The analysis followed a survey, conducted by the bank, of 2,000 sports fans which revealed they will spend an average of £116,188 supporting their home team and athletes over a lifetime.

With 53% willing to shell out more than £1,000 annually just on travel to see their clubs in action.

Fans will start saving more than two years in advance to attend a big sporting event abroad and are prepared to borrow up to £1,750 to follow their favourite teams and athletes overseas.

While five days of annual leave are sacrificed to cheer them on, with those who travel racking up an average of more than 250 miles a month to witness the action in person.

It also emerged 19% would choose to attend a big sporting event like the Olympics or the Euros as a 'big holiday' for the year.

And 60% would even consider postponing their wedding to save up and attend a major sporting event.

For those not travelling to the action, money spent on food and drinks at the pub (19%), merchandise (17%) and TV streaming subscriptions (14%), are their biggest outgoings.

This summer, two thirds of fans are considering attending a special viewing party to cheer on their heroes, with 76% planning to watch the action at the pub.

Laura Kenny, Olympian and NatWest Team GB ambassador, who is also currently the most successful female Team GB Olympian of all time, expressed: "Fans have always been at the heart of my journey, with their ongoing support and backing in the toughest of moments."

"When you are presented with the feeling of a whole nation being behind you, it provides the sheer determination to push harder than you ever have before."

"The journey to the Olympics is demanding and filled with lots of highs and lows, but with the motivation from fans support to help you succeed, you feel you are supported and encouraged every step of the way."