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National sport and physical activity participation

Children aged 0-14 in regional/rural areas

The graphs on this webpage use these symbols to highlight statistically significant changes in the last year:

  • Statistically significant increase since 2021–22
  • Statistically significant decrease since 2021–22
On this page:

Headline indicators



Participate in organised outside-of-school hours sport or physical activity 1+ per week

2022-23 42% [607,000]

Participate in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity 1+ per week

2022-23 38% [550,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 42% [603,000]

What’s changed?

Since 2021-22, overall participation through a sports club/association has decreased among children in regional and rural areas.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation
1+ per year.

What’s changed?

Since 2021-22, overall participation (1+ per year) has decreased among children in regional and rural areas.

Most popular sport and non-sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Boys 0-14 in regional/rural areas
Swimming
234,000
Football/soccer
128,000
Australian football
104,000
Basketball
81,000
Gymnastics
55,000
Running/athletics
47,000
Rugby league
44,000
Cricket
42,000
Girls 0-14 in regional/rural areas
Swimming
229,000
Gymnastics
115,000
Netball
104,000
Dance (recreational)
102,000
Football/soccer
58,000

Activities with estimates of less than 40,000 not shown.

Further information

Any questions or requests for further information about AusPlay can be directed to the Insights team at the Australian Sports Commission.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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