Sport is an important activity for many Australian males. 1 Motivations to participate include benefits to health and fitness, as a social activity, and because it’s fun. 2
Because so many men and boys are already engaged in sport – as participants, volunteers, employees, and fans – it can be an important vehicle for bringing together different age-groups, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds, and to encourage healthy individual and social behaviours. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Addressing barriers to participation, especially for certain groups (e.g., those with disability or from lower socio-economic backgrounds) can help create an equitable and diverse sport environment that allows everyone enjoy the benefits of sport. 8, 9
In 2022 Australia’s estimated resident population was 26,315,575 people, 49.6% (13,060,220) were men and boys and around 49% of the male population participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1, 10
50% of Australian men [aged 15+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
47% of Australian boys [aged 0-14] participated in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
17% of Australian men [aged 15+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in 2022. 11
Estimated sport-related participation by age group1
Estimated sport-related participation at least once a week by State/Territory, Men [15+] 1
An estimated 548,000 [32% of] Australian men [aged 18+] with a disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
An estimated 104,000 [40% of] First Nations' men [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
An estimated 899,000 [49% of] Australian men [aged 18+] who speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
Most popular sport-related activities with estimated participants 12
Boys aged 0-14 | Young Adult aged 15-24 | Adult aged 25-54 | Mature Adult aged 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|
Swimming - 868,000 Football/Soccer - 511,000 Australian Football - 342,000 Basketball - 325,000 Cricket - 195,000 Gymnastics - 179,000 Tennis - 156,000 Rugby League - 133,000 Running/Athletics - 127,000 Rugby Union - 80,000 | Running/Athletics - 429,000 Basketball - 367,000 Football/Soccer - 362,000 Swimming - 220,000 Australian Football - 189,000 Cycling - 173,000 Cricket - 122,000 Tennis - 111,000 Volleyball - 109,000 Rugby League - 104,000 | Running/Athletics - 1,440,000 Cycling - 1,052,000 Swimming - 918,000 Football/Soccer - 593,000 Golf - 476,000 Basketball - 433,000 Tennis - 420,000 Cricket - 360,000 Surfing - 294,000 Australian Football - 266,000 | Cycling - 623,000 Swimming - 524,000 Golf - 523,000 Running/Athletics - 249,000 Tennis - 187,000 Bowls - 135,000 Surfing - 115,000 Canoeing/Kayaking - 99,000 Sailing - 82,000 Mountain Bike - 69,000 |
Last updated: 28 June 2023 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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