Football Australia proudly acknowledges the Australian Sports Commission’s latest AusPlay survey, highlighting football’s enduring popularity in Australia.
The Australian Sports Commission’s recent AusPlay survey conducted between July 2023 and July 2024, surveyed 40,000 Australians and highlights several key data supporting the sustained growth of football in Australia through high participation rates and engagement.
The survey indicates football as the highest-ranked sport in Australia, beating out other popular team sports, such as basketball, netball, and Australian rules football.
The survey uncovered a few positive health trends for Australians, 84% of Australian adults engage in physical activity, and informal participation in sports is increasing, seeming to be the preferred option for individuals or Australians exercising with family and friends.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, spoke about football’s position in Australia, the sport’s inclusivity, and community recognition that supports FA.
“The AusPlay findings reaffirm football’s place at the heart of Australian sport. These participation numbers speak to football’s inclusivity and its power to connect people of all backgrounds, genders and ages, whether they are new to the game or lifelong fans. I want to thank the entire football community – including our Member Federations, the A-League clubs, all the community clubs around Australia, the participants, and the countless volunteers – who contribute so much to our game’s success and growth,” he said via press release.
FA initiatives can be credited with increasing participation rates for youths and adolescents across Australia, the Coles MiniRoos program has created an environment where young Australians feel supported and enjoy playing football.
The Club Changer program is a partnership initiative between the FA and the Australian Sports Commission that assists football clubs in creating an inclusive environment, safe spaces, and sustainability for long-term success.
Impact factors that occur away from FA, state governing initiatives and programs that contribute to football’s success in participation across Australia are the successes of international football teams, the Matildas, and the Subway Socceroos. FA has grown a strong volunteer culture, with 145 million hours being annually contributed by volunteers supporting football in Australia.
FA is aligning with the Australian Sport Participation Strategy Play Well. FA is leaning into the report findings to tailor its programs to participation needs, arranging informal and less structured play options and emphasising its focus on building stronger communities through football.
