1.1 million Australians participating in football

An update of the Australian Sports Commission’s official AusPlay survey, the largest survey of its type ever undertaken in Australia, has shown that football remains most popular sport to play in the country.

In a newly released update to the survey, football beat topped golf, AFL, netball, tennis, cricket and other sports with a total of 1,104,814 participants.

The update shows an increase in participants, up 17,828 from 1,086,986 at the end of 2016.

Welcoming the findings, Football Federation Australia Chief Executive David Gallop stated “wherever you are around this country, whatever your age, background or ability, there is a place for you in football.

“For parents of young children looking for a safe, accessible and inclusive sport, football is the answer – and these figures show just how many people are making that choice.

“We are already seeing significant growth again this year, particularly among girls and women.”

The challenge for the FFA continues to be how to convert participant numbers into regular attendees and viewers of the A-League.

It also faces issues of affordability, with registration costs rising and elite youth programs costing participants in excess of $2000 a year.

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