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National sport and physical activity participation

Girls aged 0-14

The 2021 Census tells us there are 2.3 million girls aged 0-14 in Australia. We have collected information through AusPlay about the organised outside of school sport and physical activities of more than 12,400 girls aged 0-14.

The following pages tell us more about how girls aged 0-14 in Australia participate in sport and physical activity and how, if at all, that has changed.

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 52% [1,283,000]

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

2022-23 46% [1,139,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 40% [974,000]

What’s changed?

Regular participation in sport-related activity has increased among girls aged 0-14.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation
3+ per week.

What’s changed?

Since 2021-22, the proportion of girls 0-14 participating in sport or physical activity 3+ times per week has increased.

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



Estimated number of participants
Girls 0-4
Swimming
358,000
Gymnastics
135,000
Dancing (recreational)
103,000
Football/soccer
42,000
Girls 5-8
Swimming
350,000
Gymnastics
210,000
Dancing (recreational)
168,000
Football/soccer
77,000
Netball
61,000
Tennis
48,000
Girls 9-11
Swimming
196,000
Netball
98,000
Dancing (recreational)
85,000
Gymnastics
76,000
Basketball
67,000
Football/soccer
60,000
Running/athletics
48,000
Tennis
45,000
Girls 12-14
Netball
133,000
Football/soccer
67,000
Swimming
67,000
Dancing (recreational)
46,000
Gymnastics
44,000
Basketball
41,000

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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