Volunteers in Sport
Volunteers contribute to the social and economic value of sport, especially at the community level and by assisting in running major sporting events such as World and National Cups/Championships or the Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games. 1, 2
In 2024, an estimated 3.2 million Australians participated in non-playing roles in the sport and active recreation sector at least once. Around 89% of these participants (2.8 million) were volunteers. 3, 6 Many sports and sporting organisations would not be able to run without volunteers who fill many critical roles, including coach, official, manager, administrator, board and committee member. 4
To volunteer means to willingly give time for the common good and without financial gain.5
Participation - 2024
2.8 million (13%) of Australians [aged 15+] volunteered in sport and recreation activities at least once in the previous 12 months. 6
16% of Australian men and 10% of women [aged 15+] volunteered in sport and recreation activities at least once in the previous 12 months. 6
Estimated age group participation in volunteering at least once a year by Australians [aged 15+]. 3
Estimated State/Territory volunteering in sport and recreation activities at least once a year by Australians [15+] 6
- Australian Capital Territory - 52,000 (13%)
- New South Wales - 875,000 (13%)
- Northern Territory* - 28,000 (14%)
- Queensland - 509,000 (11%)
- South Australia - 228,000 (15%)
- Tasmania* - 58,000 (12%)
- Victoria - 777,000 (14%)
- Western Australia - 313,000 (13%)
An estimated 381,000 (11% of) Australians [aged 18+] with a disability, volunteered in sport and recreation activities at least once in the previous 12 months. 6
An estimated 346,000 (34% of) First Nations' people [aged 18+], volunteered in sport and recreation activities at least once in the previous 12 months. 6
An estimated 500,000 (15% of) Australians [aged 18+] who speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home, volunteered in sport and recreation activities at least once in the previous 12 months. 7
Most popular volunteer activities with estimated participants. 6
Young Adult aged 15-24 | Adult aged 25-54 | Mature Adult aged 55+ |
|---|---|---|
Coach, instructor, trainer or teacher - 208,000 Official - 166,000 General/miscellaneous ad hoc assistance - 103,000 Driving team members to training/matches - 97,000 Team manager or coordinator - 93,000 | Official - 517,000 Coach, instructor, trainer or teacher - 511,000 Official - 601,000 General/miscellaneous ad hoc assistance - 475,000 Team manager or coordinator - 369,000 Administrator or committee member - 345,000 | Official - 213,000 Administrator or committee member - 201,000 General/miscellaneous ad hoc assistance - 175,000 Coach, instructor, trainer or teacher - 136,000 Team manager or coordinator - 86,000 |
Top sports for volunteer participation with estimated participants6
Young Adult aged 15-24 | Adult aged 25-54 | Mature Adult aged 55+ |
|---|---|---|
Football/soccer - 74,000 Basketball - 54,000 Australian Football - 42,000 Netball - 42,000 Volleyball (indoor and outdoor) - 39,000 | Football/soccer - 260,000 Australian Football - 210,000 Basketball - 162,000 Netball - 121,000 Cricket - 105,000 | Australian Football - 71,000 Football/soccer - 58,000 Bowls - 51,000 Cricket - 39,000 Golf - 38,000 |
REFERENCES
- Intergenerational Review of Australian Sport - 2017, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for the Australian Sports Commission, (2017).
- Major Sporting Event Impact and Legacy: Community & Social Engagement, Clearinghouse for Sport, (accessed 16 July 2025).
- AusPlay Data Portal: Non-playing roles, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 21 May 2025)
- Sport’s unsung heroes: Involvement in non-playing roles, opens in a new tab, Australian Bureau of Statistics (Perspectives on Sport series), Catalogue Number 4156.0.55.001, (June 2011).
- Definition of Volunteering, opens in a new tab, Volunteering Australia, (2015).
- AusPlay Data Portal: Volunteers in non-playing roles, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 21 May 2025).
- AusPlay Data Portal: Non-playing roles by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 21 May 2025).
Topic Focus
Benefits of sport
Volunteering provides substantial value to society and to the volunteers themselves, including mental, social, and physical benefits.
Factors influencing participation
Research has identified a number of factors that either motivate or provide barriers to volunteer participation.
Volunteer management
Strategically managing sport sector volunteers enhances satisfaction and retention.
Policies, programs, and supporting structures
Australian and international initiatives to support and encourage volunteer participation in sport.
Awards and recognition
Many volunteers have been recognised over the years for their contribution to sport and society.Last updated: 16 July 2025 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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