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National sport and physical activity participation

Young adults aged 15-19

The 2021 Census says there are 1.5 million young adults aged 15-19 in Australia, making up 6% of the overall population. Over more than six years, AusPlay has interviewed around 8,700 young adults in this age group.

The following pages tell us more about how young adults aged 15-19 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% [1,258,000]

Participate in sport-related activity 1+ per week

2022-23 60% [961,000]

Participate through a sports club or association 1+ per year

2022-23 42% [682,000]

Take on a non-playing role 1+ per year

2022-23 19% [311,000]

Top motivations in 2022–23



Physical health or fitness

2022-23 70%

Fun/enjoyment

2022-23 70%

Social reasons

2022-23 42%

Psychological/mental health/therapy

2022-23 20%

Performance/competition

2022-23 15%

What’s changed?

Physical health or fitness is less of a motivator in 2022-23 than it was in 2021-22 for young adults.

Based on all participants (1+ per year).
As this is a small population cohort, barriers are not shown.

All participation rates 2016–17 to 2022–23



Frequency of participation
1+ per year, 5+ per week.

What’s changed?

Since 2021-22, 5+ per week participation has declined among 15-19 year old Australians, as well as overall participation (1+ per year).

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



Estimated number of participants
Males aged 15-19
Fitness/gym
332,000
Football/soccer
214,000
Basketball
198,000
Running/athletics
181,000
Exergaming*
140,000
Swimming
121,000
Australian football
118,000
Walking (recreational)
77,000
Rugby league
75,000
Cycling
73,000
Females aged 15-19
Fitness/gym
270,000
Netball
166,000
Running/athletics
162,000
Walking (recreational)
156,000
Swimming
150,000
Exergaming*
139,000
Football/soccer
118,000
Volleyball
101,000
Basketball
87,000
Australian football
57,000

Top 10 sports/activities 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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