Sport is an important activity for many Australian males. 1 Motivations to participate include benefits to health and fitness, as a social activity, and because it’s fun. 2
Because so many men and boys are already engaged in sport – as participants, volunteers, employees, and fans – it can be an important vehicle for bringing together different age-groups, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds, and to encourage healthy individual and social behaviours. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Addressing barriers to participation, especially for certain groups (e.g., those with disability or from lower socio-economic backgrounds) can help create an equitable and diverse sport environment that allows everyone enjoy the benefits of sport. 8, 9
In December 2024 Australia’s estimated resident population was 27,400,0113 people, 49.6% (13,603,493) were men and boys. Around 34% of the male population participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week in 2024. 1, 10
An estimated 3,657,000 (34% of) Australian men [aged 15+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
An estimated 888,000 (36% of) Australian boys [aged 0-14] participated in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
Around 1,914,000 (17% of) Australian men [aged 15+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in 2024. 11
Estimated sport-related participation by age group1
Estimated sport-related participation at least once a week by State/Territory, Men [15+] 1
An estimated 501,000 [14% of] Australian men [aged 18+] with disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
An estimated 563,000 [55% of] First Nations' men [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
An estimated 618,000 [37% of] Australian men [aged 18+] who speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 1
Most popular sport-related activities with estimated participants 12
Boys aged 0-14 | Young Adult aged 15-24 | Adult aged 25-54 | Mature Adult aged 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|
Swimming - 507,000 Football/Soccer - 492,000 Basketball - 218,000 Australian Football - 213,000 Cricket - 128,000 Athletics, track and field - 87,000 Tennis - 86,000 Running/jogging - 80,000 Cycling - 70,000 Gymnastics - 67,000 | Running/jogging - 420,000 Football/Soccer - 372,000 Basketball - 306,000 Swimming - 202,000 Australian Football - 144,000 Tennis - 140,000 Cricket - 134,000 Cycling - 111,000 Volleyball - 103,000 Table Tennis - 96,000 | Running/jogging - 1,361,000 Swimming - 874,000 Cycling - 613,000 Football/Soccer - 549,000 Basketball - 429,000 Tennis - 375,000 Golf - 350,000 Cricket - 288,000 Australian Football - 275,000 Badminton - 146,000 | Swimming - 459,000 Cycling - 428,000 Golf - 416,000 Running/jogging - 198,000 Tennis - 132,000 Bowls - 105,000 Surfing - 44,000 Weightlifting - 42,000 Motorcycling - 40,000 Table Tennis - 36,000 |
Last updated: 16 July 2025 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
Is this information complete? The Clearinghouse for Sport is a sector-wide knowledge sharing initiative, and as such your contributions are encouraged and appreciated. If you would like to suggest a resource, submit a publication, or provide feedback on this topic, please contact us.