Play Well enters its next chapter to turn shared ambition into more Australians playing sport

Play Well is moving from alignment to action, with Horizon 2 setting a clearer national focus on helping more Australians find, join and stay involved in sport.

Building on two years of national collaboration, Horizon 2 gives the sport sector a practical roadmap to remove barriers, create better experiences and make sport more welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable in every community.

Running from 2026-27 to 2028-29, Horizon 2 is grounded in evidence and shaped by the people who deliver sport every day. It draws on an independent evaluation of Horizon 1 by the University of Sydney and Deakin University, alongside insights from a national co-design process involving more than 500 stakeholders.

Richard McInnes, Executive General Manager of Sport and Community Capability at the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Chair of the Play Well Leadership Group (PLG), said Horizon 2 responds directly to what the sector has asked for: a stronger focus on implementation.

“Horizon 1 brought the sport system together around a shared vision for sport and created a strong foundation for change,” McInnes said.

“Horizon 2 is about turning that shared ambition into practical action, with the resources and support organisations need to apply Play Well locally and make it easier for more people to have a positive experience in sport.”

Co-designed with the sector, for the sector, Horizon 2 invites every part of Australian sport to take the next step: use the strategy, align efforts and help build a sport system where more Australians can play well, more often.

Help shape the next chapter of Play Well

As Play Well enters Horizon 2, the ASC is seeking Expressions of Interest from passionate and experienced leaders to join the PLG.

The PLG provides independent strategic advice and insight to help guide the delivery of Play Well and maximise its long-term impact across the sport system.

We're looking for leaders from sport and beyond who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise across areas such as community sport, education, public health, governance, research, innovation, media and communications.

Current PLG members are welcome to reapply.

We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQI+ people, and those living in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of sport participation in Australia and play a role in creating more welcoming, inclusive and accessible sporting experiences for all Australians.

For more information about Play Well and how to apply to join the PLG visit the Play Well website.

Applications close 12 October.