AI and Tech Transforming Australian Community Sport

Avatar
Image credit: National Sports Convention

Community sport across Australia is undergoing rapid change, driven by artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.

These innovations are changing the way community and school sports operate, connect with people, and foster more inclusive, efficient, and vibrant sporting environments nationwide.

Martin Sheppard, CEO of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, highlighted the magnitude of this change.

“We’re witnessing a game-changing moment where technology is not just supporting sport – it’s redefining it. From grassroots to schools, digital solutions are enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and more inclusive environments. At this year’s Convention, we’re bringing together the pioneers of this transformation to ensure every club, school, and community can benefit,” he said via press release.

As outlined by the ASTN, the sports technology sector in Australia is now a well-established industry worth $4.69 billion, featuring over 765 active businesses.

This development shows a strong national push to utilise innovation to solve problems, boost efficiency, and grow opportunities across community sport.

At the forefront of this transformation is the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream at the 2025 National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC), set for June 25-26 in Melbourne.

Highlighting innovations from AI-driven analytics to mobile apps and immersive virtual tools, this stream will explore how technology is reshaping community sport.

Griffith University researchers in Queensland, collaborating with VALD from Brisbane, developed a rapid test that identifies high ACL injury risk in athletes within 10 minutes, supporting coaches to implement personalised prevention.

NSC’s AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream will highlight visionary ideas and key figures shaping sport’s future.

The Impact Keynote session, ‘Embracing Technology to Impact Sport’, will feature Dawid Naude, CEO of Pathfindr.ai, and Andrew Walton, Managing Director of Sports Tech World Series, discussing how AI and machine learning empower clubs to optimise their operations and enrich member engagement.

Afterwards, the ‘Embracing AI to Be More Inclusive’ panel will consider how commercial technologies from around the world are being applied to grassroots levels, featuring insights from Martin Schlegel (ASTN), Yasmin London (Qoria), and Brent Richardson (Enrichd Group).

To learn more about the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention and the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream, click here.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Launceston City Launches Inclusive Facility Upgrade

Avatar
Image Credit: Our Game

Launceston City FC has announced that work has commenced on a new refurbishment for the club’s change room endorsed by the Play Our Way program.

Built in 1979 by the club’s volunteers, the facility’s new refurbishment will include a new roof, a multipurpose and education room, a parent room, renovated changerooms, an undercover walkway, and a new entry.

Launceston City FC Director and lead strategic lead for the project, Jesse Woodroffe, spoke to Soccerscene about what the refurbishment will do for inclusivity and equality around the community.

“What it does is shows that we are a club for everyone, and having a standalone designated facility that’s prioritised for women and girls, sends a signal that sport is for everybody and gone are the days where there isn’t equal access,” she said.

“We are seeing a great shift nationwide in equitable access to facilities, grounds and change rooms; certainly, it wasn’t that way a few decades ago.

“Our hope is that we can offer this room and these facilities out to other groups or NGO’s as well.”

Launceston City aims to complete the refurbishment by April next year in order to have the new change rooms available for the upcoming season.

The project is supported under Stream 1 of the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way Program and aims to deliver modern, inclusive changerooms for women and girls in Launceston’s community.

The Play Our Way Program

The Play Our Way Program is designed to remove barriers to participation, reduce discrimination, and promote equality in sport by funding local initiatives and ideas.

An input of experts across the sport sector and key Australian government agencies helped design the program, including an expert advisory panel of women with experience in community and professional sport.

“Play our Way is an opportunity for local governments, community organisations, the not-for-profit sector and sporting organisations to seek funding for localised solutions and improvements,” said Minister for Communications and Sport, Anika Wells, in a press release about the program.

“The program will be available for all sports, but it is anticipated soccer, as the highest participation sport in Australia, will need significant resourcing in the wake of the greatest Women’s World Cup ever.”

Sydney FC Announces New Strategic Partnership With Trip.com for 2025/26 Season

Avatar
Credit: Sydney FC Facebook

Sydney FC have confirmed a partnership with Trip.com for the A-League 2025/26 season. 

Trip.com is one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, and the collaboration will give Sydney FC members access to exclusive travel discounts and other special offers. 

Matt Pound, Sydney FC General Manager of Commercial and Marketing, said the partnership directly correlates to the club’s future goals. 

“We’re delighted to team up with Trip.com, a global leader in travel technology and innovation,” said Pound.

“Our members love to travel, whether following the Sky Blues around Australia or exploring new destinations, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them discounts thanks to Trip.com, making their journey simpler, smart and more rewarding.”

Kevin Lu, Territory Manager for Trip.com Oceania also commented on the partnership, 

“We are thrilled to partner with Sydney FC, a club that embodies passion and global ambition, as we bring exclusive travel opportunities to their dedicated fans.

“This collaboration perfectly aligns with Trip.com’s mission to make travel seamless and exciting, and we look forward to helping Sky Blues supporters explore the world with the same energy they bring to every match.”

Trip.com’s local and international advertisements will also be featured across Sydney FC’s digital channels through the season. 

With the partnership spanning the full 2025/26 campaign, the initiative reinforces Sydney FC’s commitment to enhancing the supporter experience both on and off the pitch.

By connecting fans with a trusted global travel provider, Sydney FC aims to add greater value to its membership program while strengthening its ties to the community. 

The collaboration also reflects a growing trend in world football of integrating lifestyle-focused partners into club ecosystems, highlighting the broader vision to serve fans beyond match day. 

With exclusive offers, integrated digital activations and shared ambitions around innovation and growth, both Sydney FC and Trip.com are confident the partnership will deliver meaningful benefits throughout the season ahead.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend