We're holding footy league back for the public's benefit (7)
I believe the answer is:
welfare
'public's benefit' is the definition.
'welfare' can be an answer for 'benefit' (types of social security). I'm unsure of the 'public's' bit.
'we're holding footy league back' is the wordplay.
'holding' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'footy league' becomes 'afl' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'afl' written backwards gives 'lfa'.
'were' enclosing 'lfa' is 'WELFARE'.
'for the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for welfare that I've seen before include "Governmental provision of economic assistance" , "Health and fortunes of a person or group" , "Contented state of health and happiness" , "Financial support for those in need" , "Well-being" .)