Too many Australian young people are being excluded from playing sport
In Australia, sport has always been more than a game. It is part of our national story, shaping communities and giving children the chance to grow in resilience, confidence, and joy. Yet today, that opportunity is slipping further out of reach. Rising costs, dwindling school programs, and persistent structural barriers mean that millions of children are now priced out of participation. Sport remains one of the most powerful tools we have for health, learning, and social connection—but treating it as a privilege rather than a right risks leaving too many kids on the sidelines. If we want a fair go for every child, we need bold steps to ensure that sport is accessible, inclusive, and woven back into the fabric of everyday life.
By Sachie Yasuda, co-founder BGH Breakers Sport and Wellbeing Community Club, Hobart Tasmania
In Australia, sport is more than just a pastime. It is a vital part of our social fabric. It builds resilience, self-worth, and joy. It connects communities, supports mental health, and helps young people thrive. But as cost-of-living pressures rise and structural barriers persist, access to sport is becoming increasingly unequal. For many children, the chance to play is slipping away - not because they lack interest, but because they lack opportunity.
Sport is a strong vehicle for social change. It teaches teamwork, discipline, and leadership. It boosts physical and mental health, improves academic outcomes, and fosters social connection. For children from disadvantaged backgrounds, sport can be a game-changer, offering a sense of belonging and a pathway to personal growth. But when participation is treated as a privilege rather than a right, the benefits are kept out of reach.
The statistics are stark. The Australian Sports Foundation reports that one in three kids is now missing out because of cost. That means about 1.5 million young people on the sidelines, watching instead of playing. Families in disadvantaged areas are hit hardest. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, participation there hovers at just over half, compared to nearly four out of five in wealthier suburbs. Studies confirm what parents already know: fees, uniforms, and transport costs are the biggest barriers. The average family now spends more than $1,300 a year on sport for a single child - almost double what it cost just five years ago.
Programs like Tasmania’s Ticket to Play help, but they are rarely enough. Even with subsidies, many families cannot make the numbers work. In towns without existing clubs, locals trying to start one face uphill battles over funding, facilities, and compliance. Meanwhile, the gradual shift away from school-based sport has widened the gap. Club sport often means bigger fees, extra gear, and a heavy reliance on volunteer labour. The result is that children who could once rely on school sport are now being priced out, creating a system where sport is increasingly reserved for those who can afford it. A 2022 UNICEF Australia report found that over half of families are making sacrifices in their household budgets to afford sport or are withdrawing their children altogether.
A fair go for every kid
There are ways forward. Imagine a system where every child is guaranteed at least one organised sporting opportunity each year, no matter their postcode or their parents’ income. Imagine governments backing communities that want to start their own clubs, offering training, funding, and mentorship rather than leaving them to sink or swim. Imagine school gyms and ovals opened up after hours so that perfectly good facilities do not sit empty.
Reviving school sport would be another crucial step. Stronger links between schools and local clubs could create clear, inclusive pathways from playground games to higher-level competition. More importantly, it would restore sport as part of the school week, available to everyone, not just those who can pay.
Sport should not be a luxury item. It is a right, and one of the most effective tools we have to build healthier, fairer communities. If we want Australia to be a place where every child can thrive, we cannot afford to leave anyone standing on the sidelines.
Moderator: Megan Lang