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National sport and physical activity participation

Males Aged 15+

According to the 2021 Census there are 10.2 million males in Australia aged 15+, making up 49% of the 15+ population. There are 3.3 million males aged 15-34, 3.3 million aged 35-54 and 3.5 million aged 55+. Over more than six years, AusPlay has interviewed around 69,500 males aged 15+.

The following pages tell us more about how males aged 15+ 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 sport or physical activity 1+ per week

2022-23 78% [8,449,000]

Participate in sport-related activity 1+ per week

2022-23 48% [5,241,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 28% [3,044,000]

Take on a non-playing role 1+ per year

2022-23 18% [1,934,000]

Top motivations in 2022–23



Physical health or fitness

2022-23 81%

Fun/enjoyment

2022-23 51%

Social reasons

2022-23 36%

Psychological/mental health/therapy

2022-23 24%

To be outdoors/enjoy nature

2022-23 13%

What’s changed?

Being outdoors/enjoying nature, mental health and social reasons are all less of a motivator for active males in 2022-23 than they were during the years when COVID-19 restricted activities.

Based on all participants (1+ per year).

Top barriers in 2022–23



Poor health or injury

2022-23 27%

Not enough time/too many other commitments

2022-23 24%

Have a physical job

*Response option only identified from 2017
2022-23 11%

Increasing age/too old

2022-23 9%

Not a priority (any more)

2022-23 8%

What’s changed?

In 2022-23, poor health/injury has taken top spot in the list of barriers for males aged 15+, nudging not enough time into second place.

Based on all non-participants.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation

Most popular sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Males aged 15-34
Running/athletics
974,000
Football/soccer
642,000
Swimming
581,000
Basketball
541,000
Cycling
375,000
Cricket
293,000
Australian Football
286,000
Tennis
229,000
Weightlifting
191,000
Golf
190,000
Males aged 35-54
Running/athletics
850,000
Cycling
754,000
Swimming
580,000
Golf
356,000
Football/soccer
315,000
Tennis
270,000
Basketball
237,000
Cricket
219,000
Surfing
207,000
Mountain Biking
181,000
Males aged 55+
Cycling
619,000
Swimming
542,000
Golf
474,000
Running/athletics
259,000
Tennis
190,000
Fishing
143,000
Bowls
123,000
Surfing
119,000
Canoeing/Kayaking
76,000
Sailing
72,000

Top 10 sports/activities shown.

Most popular non-sport-related activities 2022–23



Estimated number of participants
Males aged 15-34
Fitness/gym
1,705,000
Walking (recreational)
644,000
Exergaming*
436,000
Bushwalking
302,000
Yoga
58,000
Males aged 35-54
Fitness/gym
1,204,000
Walking (recreational)
1,132,000
Bushwalking
350,000
Exergaming*
206,000
Yoga
92,000
Pilates
52,000
Males aged 55+
Walking (recreational)
1,887,000
Fitness/gym
952,000
Bushwalking
245,000
Yoga
70,000
Exergaming*
56,000
Pilates
56,000

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

*Virtual/technology-based/gaming exercise, for example, motion sensing console games, smart treadmills, online platforms such as Zwift.

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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