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.

Happy Helpers
Supporting family and friends.
Community Committed
Volunteering for social reasons and enjoyment.
Overcommitted
Volunteers because they were asked and feel it is expected.
Opportunists
Volunteers for personal benefit – career, social or experience.
Altruists
Volunteers to help others, the disadvantaged and give back to community.
Self Servers
Volunteering is a low priority, but possible motivation of personal benefit.
Sidelined
Volunteering is linked to personal benefit, along with obligation and participation.
Occupied Observers
Has a positive attitude to volunteering and is motivated by helping others.
Well Intentioned
May not have found an area of interest to volunteer in.
Uninvolved
Volunteering is seen as a chore.
Market Segmentation for Sport Participation:
- Overview
- Market Segmentation - Adults
- Market Segmentation - Children
- Market Segmentation - Parents
- Market Segmentation - Volunteers
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.
























