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EVIDENCE BASE FOR SPORT

PARTICIPATION IN SPORT

QUICK FACTS

Over the past 20 years, participation in sport-related activities has remained relatively stable, although Australians are also increasingly participating in convenient non-sport related activities such as walking and going to the gym. 1

Participation in 2022 2
41% of Australians [aged 15+] participate in a sport-related activity at least once a week.
  • 50% Male [15+]
  • 32% Female [15+]
  • 61% Young adults [15-19]
  • 31% Older Australians [55+]
  • 24% Australians with disability [18+]
  • 32% First Nations Australians [18+]
  • 38% Speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home [18+]
47% of children [aged 0-14] participate in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week.
  • 47% Boys [0-14]
  • 46% Girls [0-14]
14% of Australians [15+] volunteer in the sport and active recreation
sector at least once a year.
Motivations 2

Physical health and fitness is the strongest motivator for Australians 15+ to participate in sport and physical activity.

  • Participating in sport and physical activity for social, psychological, and mental health reasons has increased over the past 5 years.
Barriers 2

The main barrier to participating in sport or physical activity for Australians 15+ is due to poor health/injury.

  • The common barrier of 'not having enough time or too many other commitments' has declined over the past 5 years.
Facilitators 3

Children [0-14] are more likely to participate in organised outside-of-school hours sport and physical activities if:

  • a parent participates in sports or physical activity
  • they come from a high-income family
  • they have 1 or 2 siblings.
Barriers 3

Children [0-14] are less likely to participate in organised outside-of-school hours sport and physical activities if:

  • they come from a low-income family
  • they live in a remote or regional area
  • a parent speaks a Language Other Than English (LOTE) at home
  • they have 3 or more siblings.
Jurisdiction 2

In 2022, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was the most active state/territory, with 49% of adults and children participating in sport-related activities at least once a week.

Northern Territory (NT), South Australia (SA), and Western Australia (WA) had the most involvement in sport through a non-playing role.

Sport 2
  • Running/athletics is the most popular sport-related activity for males [15+].
  • Swimming is the most popular for females [15+] and boys and girls [0-14].
  1. AusPlay report: Participation trends in Australian since 2001, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 28 November 2022).
  2. AusPlay Data Portal, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 20 July 2023).
  3. AusPlay report: Children’s participation in organised physical activity outside of school hours, Australian Sports Commission, (April 2018).

TOPICS

Learn about sport participation in Australia.

Women in Sport Efforts to increase women's involvement in Australian sport are ongoing, aiming to overcome gender bias and ensure equal opportunities, but progress is still needed.
Men in Sport Sport is an important activity for many Australian males.
Children and Youth in Sport The early years of a child’s life, as well as the transitions from adolescence to independent adulthood are crucial to establishing lifelong behaviours.
Mature-aged Sport Sport can benefit older individuals, with long-term participation linked to enhanced and lifelong physical, mental, and social wellbeing outcomes.
Sport and Persons with Disability Australians of all abilities should have access to sport and physical activity opportunities.
Sport and Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity brings people from varied backgrounds. Inclusive organisations benefit with more participation and diverse ideas, enhancing sustainability.
Australia's First Nations Peoples and Sport Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities have a strong connection to sport.
Socio-economic Status and Sport An individual’s socio-economic status can impact on how, or if, they engage with sport or physical activity.
Volunteers in Sport An estimated 3 million Australians volunteer in the sport and active recreation sector each year.
Sexuality & Gender Perspectives on Sport Ethics Discrimination that is based upon gender and/or sexual identity affects the fundamental integrity of sport.
Sport in Rural & Regional Australia Sport in rural and regional communities can help improve social cohesion and population health outcomes.
Australian Veterans and Sport Sport has long been linked to Australia's military, offering teamwork, competition, and physical training benefits.
Factors influencing sport participation Research has identified a number of factors that can motivate or provide barriers to participation in sport.

FEATURED REPORTS

AUSPLAY

National sport and physical activity participation report, (2023)

Read the report

Play Well

Australia's Sport Participation Strategy, (2023)

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WHAT WE KNOW

EVIDENCE BASE FOR SPORT

Find information, research, and insights to support decision making in sport.

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WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW

NATIONAL SPORT RESEARCH AGENDA

Identifying priority areas of research for Australian sport.

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PUBLICATIONS

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VIDEOS

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RESEARCH DATA

Research data from the Australian Sports Commission's national sport and physical activity survey – AusPlay.

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