Prepared by:
Christine May, Senior Research Consultant, Clearinghouse for Sport
Evaluated by:
Brendan Lynch, Sport Consultant (June 2022)
Reviewed by: Australasian Sport Information Network
Last updated: 15 June 2022
Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
An estimated 3.2 million Australians participate in non-playing roles in the sport and active recreation sector each year. Over 90% of these participants (3 million) are volunteers.
Volunteers contribute to the social and economic value of sport, especially at the community level. Many sports and sporting organisations would not be able to run without volunteers who fill many critical roles, including coach, official, manager, administrator, board and committee member.
Volunteers also support major events, such as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Key messages
In 2021 over 3 million Australians donated their time and energy to community sport and recreation clubs. The value of labour input by sport sector volunteers in Australia has been estimated at up to $4 billion per year.
Volunteering is linked to positive mental, social and physical benefits. Older volunteers in particular may experience less depression and greater life satisfaction than non-volunteers.
Providing ongoing education, training opportunities, positive recognition, and other support for volunteers dramatically improves volunteer recruitment and retention, and helps make Australian sport more sustainable.
