Sport participation across the lifespan: Australian trends and policy implications

Abstract

This chapter will explore the sport participation trends in Australia across the lifespan. Utilising the Sport and Recreation Spatial programme of research which integrates over 1 million club-sport participant records annually, this Chapter will present the participation rates from 4 to 100 years. Key results are: Sport participation is the highest among young children (aged 5-14 years) Sport participation rates drop significantly during adolescence Sport participation rates among females are half of those among males Sport participation rates are higher in regional areas compared to metropolitan areas, including how sport participation rates differ based on socio-economic status These key results are discussed with reference to Australian Sport policy.