A brief summary of the latest AusPlay sport participation data

Sport Australia has recently released the new wave of the AusPlay Sport participation tracking. A few observations:

1) In 20 years, sport/physical activity participation increased intensely in Australia. From 2018 to 2019, the levels remained reasonably stable. The most significant growth (only 0.6 p.p) came from "hardcore" participants (at least 3 times a week)

2) In 20 years, non-sport activities were the major responsible for the overall participation growth (+25 p.p). Sport-related activities remained almost stable (+2p.p) during the period.

3) Fitness/Gym achieved the most substantial positive shift both in the long-run and in the short term. From 2001 to 2019, Fitness/Gym participation grew 19.3 p.p, while from 2018 to 2019, it rose 1.7 p.p. The main non-sport activities Walking (currently at 43.2%) and Fitness Gym (at 36.6%) are far ahead of the primary sport activities: Running/Athletics (16.4%) and Swimming (15.7%)

4) Within organised sport, Golf and Tennis saw their participation decreased sharply in 20 years. During the period, Running was the clear riser (+8.6 p.p) with Cycling as a distant second place (+3.4 p.p). From 18-19, Running and Swimming have slightly increased their dominance, whereas Tennis and Golf continued their negative trend.

5) Age breakdown: In general terms, Soccer is stronger within 5-14 years old, Footy gains relevance within 15-34 age bracket and walking becomes the star from 35 and beyond.

6) Gender: Walking, Fitness, Swimming, Footy and Cycling are the top5 participation in organised sports both for male and female participation. The second tier, however, is vastly different. For men, the following sports in participation levels are Soccer, Golf, American football and basketball. For women: Yoga, Netball, Dance and bushwalking.

Have you noticed other interesting trends?

PS: Data was collected before COVID-19.