School sport

Schools play a very important role in making sport accessible to children and young people. The importance of school sport and physical education as a contributing factor to the overall activity level of children, and their physical, social, and cognitive development is emphasised in the literature, particularly among lower socio-economic groups. ^{5, 6} One of the significant barriers to participation in extra-curricular sport is ‘cost’ and this factor is somewhat eased in the school setting. ^{6, 7}

Since its establishment in 1981, School Sport Australia, opens in a new tab has been responsible for the development and promotion of school sport in Australia.

More information about the role and value of sport in schools can be found in the Sport in Education topic.

Sporting Schools

Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children's participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities.

Sporting Schools programs are provided free to children and their families to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life.

To help achieve this, the Australian Sports Commission has partnered with more than 35 national sporting organisations (NSOs) and national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSODs). There is a program for primary schools, and a targeted program for Year 7 and 8 students in secondary schools.