AboutContact UsRegister

Market Segmentation - Volunteers

Helping to identify new sport volunteers, and developing practices and strategies to retain current volunteers.

The Market Segmentation Study for Volunteers helps identify segments in the Australian community with the greatest potential for recruitment of new sport volunteers, and practices and strategies for the retention of current sport volunteers.

This research tells us that we are doing some things really well, with nearly all club volunteers reporting they were satisfied with their experience (89% extremely or somewhat satisfied) while 92% of club sport volunteers are likely to continue volunteering in club sport in the next 12 months.

Market Segmentation also provides key insights for the sport sector to better understand their volunteer workforce and how they might need to manage them into the future, such as:

  • Distinguishing the main motivations and barriers for volunteering in sport as compared to those who might consider volunteering in other more charity based activities.
  • Recognising that people who volunteer in sport generally have a direct connection to the sport either through themselves, their children or other family members and friends.
  • Reaffirming the retention of current volunteers as being the most cost effective means to maintain your 'sport delivery workforce'.
  • Understanding the biggest challenge for sports is engaging with individuals and providing volunteering opportunities that match their life-stage - from being a teen, to a young adult starting university or work, to starting a family right through their retirement years.
  • Other key insights on the structure of sport and club sport volunteering in Australia.

Volunteers Segments

Market Segmentation Volunteers, identifies ten segments among the Australian adult population 14-75 years old:

  • Volunteer segments - Happy Helpers, Community Committed, Overcommitted, Opportunists, and Altruists.
  • Non-volunteer segments - Self Servers, Sidelined, Occupied Observers, Well Intentioned, and Uninvolved.

  • Volunteer segment profile - Happy Helpers

    Happy Helpers

    Supporting family and friends.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Community Committed

    Community Committed

    Volunteering for social reasons and enjoyment.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Overcommitted

    Overcommitted

    Volunteers because they were asked and feel it is expected.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Opportunists

    Opportunists

    Volunteers for personal benefit – career, social or experience.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Altruists

    Altruists

    Volunteers to help others, the disadvantaged and give back to community.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Self Servers

    Self Servers

    Volunteering is a low priority, but possible motivation of personal benefit.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Sidelined

    Sidelined

    Volunteering is linked to personal benefit, along with obligation and participation.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Occupied Observer

    Occupied Observers

    Has a positive attitude to volunteering and is motivated by helping others.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Well Intentioned

    Well Intentioned

    May not have found an area of interest to volunteer in.
  • Volunteer segment profile - Uninvolved

    Uninvolved

    Volunteering is seen as a chore.

Market Segmentation for Sport Participation:

General enquiries

Any questions or requests for further information about the Market Segmentation can be directed to Australian Sports Commission Insights team- asc_research@ausport.gov.au.

Working together for Australian sport

C4S-Footer-Sport Integrity Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Sport Integrity Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Australian Sports Foundation logo
C4S-Footer-Australian Sports Foundation logo
C4S-Footer-Australian Olympic Committee
C4S-Footer-Australian Olympic Committee
C4S-Footer-Paralympics Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Paralympics Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Commonwealth Games Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Commonwealth Games Australia logo
C4S-Footer-SAHOF
C4S-Footer-SAHOF
C4S-Footer-Invictus Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Invictus Australia logo
C4S-Footer-PLA
C4S-Footer-PLA
C4S-Footer-ACT Gov
C4S-Footer-ACT Gov
C4S-Footer-NSW Gov
C4S-Footer-NSW Gov
C4S-Footer-NT Gov
C4S-Footer-NT Gov
C4S-Footer-QLD Gov
C4S-Footer-QLD Gov
C4S-Footer-SA Gov
C4S-Footer-SA Gov
C4S-Footer-Tas Gov
C4S-Footer-Tas Gov
C4S-Footer-Vic Gov
C4S-Footer-Vic Gov
C4S-Footer-WA Gov
C4S-Footer-WA Gov
C4S-Footer-ACTAS
C4S-Footer-ACTAS
C4S-Footer-NSWIS
C4S-Footer-NSWIS
C4S-Footer-NT
C4S-Footer-NT
C4S-Footer-QAS
C4S-Footer-QAS
C4S-Footer-SASI
C4S-Footer-SASI
C4S-Footer-TIS
C4S-Footer-TIS
C4S-Footer-VIS
C4S-Footer-VIS
C4S-Footer-WAIS
C4S-Footer-WAIS
First Nations Flags, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
The Clearinghouse for Sport pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the valuable contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australian society and sport.