NSC spotlights the rise of AI, Digital and Sports Technology in reshaping Australian community sport

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and sports technology is reshaping how Australia’s community and school sports operate, engage communities and create more inclusive, efficient and dynamic sporting environments across the country.

Martin Sheppard, Chief Executive National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC), noted “we’re witnessing a game-changing moment where technology is not just supporting sport – it’s redefining it. From grassroots to schools, digital solutions are enabling smarter operations, deeper engagement, and more inclusive environments. At this year’s Convention, we’re bringing together the pioneers of this transformation to ensure every club, school, and community can benefit.”

According to the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), the sports tech industry in Australia has grown into a mature and sophisticated sector worth $4.69 billion, with over 765 active companies. This growth signifies a nationwide commitment to using innovation as a means to overcome challenges, improve operations, and expand opportunities in community sports.

Leading this shift is the AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream at the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) 2025, taking place in Melbourne on 25th and 26th June. This dedicated stream will highlight how new technologies ranging from AI-driven data analytics to mobile apps and immersive virtual experiences are transforming local sport.

Community clubs and school-based programs now have access to high-definition cameras, live streaming capabilities, and interactive platforms that were once exclusive to elite professional sports, enabling them to broadcast matches, attract new participants, and deepen engagement in cost-effective ways.

Across the country, several Australian initiatives are showcasing the impact of these innovations in real time. Rowing Australia has launched the Row Nation app, a digital indoor rowing platform that expands access to the sport while diversifying revenue streams. This will be showcased in the NSC Expo for the industry to experience first-hand.

In Queensland, researchers at Griffith University, working alongside Brisbane-based company VALD, have developed a predictive test that can identify athletes at high risk of ACL injuries within 10 minutes – enabling local coaches to implement personalised, preventative training programs.

Meanwhile, forward-thinking digital solutions such as Forward Pivot’s ‘digital facilities’ concept are allowing community organisations to deliver a range of services virtually, from skill development and online training to community engagement, helping to eliminate waiting lists and increase participation.

Another example is revolutioniseSPORT (above), which has become a vital platform for more than 230 peak sporting bodies and 17,000 clubs across Australia. It provides an all-in-one digital ecosystem for managing memberships, competition schedules, governance, and communications – empowering small, volunteer-run clubs to operate with the same professionalism and efficiency as national sporting organisations.

TidyHQ is also simplifying the day-to-day operations of community sport by significantly reducing the administrative burden on volunteers. From streamlining membership management, event coordination, and financial tracking to improving meeting transparency and volunteer engagement, the platform is helping clubs run more effectively.

On the field, Veo’s AI-powered camera technology (pictured top) is revolutionising how matches are captured, analysed, and shared – even for junior or local teams. This can be viewed  at the NSC Expo.

NSC’s AI, Digital & Sports Tech stream will also spotlight some of the most forward-thinking ideas and leaders shaping the future of sport. In the Impact Keynote session ‘Embracing Technology to Impact Sport’, Dawid Naude, Chief Executive  of Pathfindr.ai, and Andrew Walton, Managing Director of Sports Tech World Series, will explore how AI and machine learning are empowering clubs to optimise operations and enhance member experiences. Following this, the ‘Embracing AI to Be More Inclusive’ panel will examine how global commercial technologies are being adapted for grassroots impact, featuring insights from Martin Schlegel (ASTN), Yasmin London (Qoria), and digital transformation expert Brent Richardson (Enrichd Group).

Workshops will provide hands-on guidance, including a session on data-driven growth strategies led by Alex Mednis, Chief Executive of revolutioniseSPORT, who will explore how better data understanding can drive participation and fan engagement. Brent Richardson will further expand on how platforms like ImpactIQ are turning data into measurable outcomes that benefit not just individual teams but whole communities.

Real-world case studies will be shared by Leanne Bats of Sport Waikato and James Ellender from AFL NSW and QLD, who will present on innovative digital strategies that have successfully boosted grassroots engagement. In PitchFEST, experts like Brett Gillet of ClubDucks and Vickie Saunders of The Brand Builders will discuss how to make tech solutions more accessible to clubs and athletes, enabling better revenue generation, sponsorship management, and fan interaction.

Rounding out the stream is a forward-looking session chaired by Isaak Dury, Chief Executive TidyHQ, which will identify the top tech opportunities for 2025. In this session, Alison Lyons of Hockey Queensland and Jodie Harlow of Basketball Victoria will present practical solutions for improving communications and ensuring inclusivity for people with disabilities - demonstrating how community sport can benefit everyone when technology is embraced with purpose.

These advancements reflect a pivotal shift in Australia’s approach to community sport, where embracing AI, digital tools, and innovative sports tech is no longer a luxury but a strategic imperative. It is clear that these technologies are not just enhancing performance—they are building more connected, efficient, and inclusive sporting communities for all Australians.

This year’s NSC Expo will host the largest showcase of AI, digital, and sports tech solutions ever assembled for the community sports sector in Australia. From performance analytics and fan engagement tools to volunteer support platforms and athlete education systems, over a dozen innovative organisations will be on-site to demonstrate how their technologies can solve real-world challenges.

Exhibitors in this sector include:

• PlayerFan.TV

• eSafety Commissioner

• etrainu

• The Athlete Brand Builders

• Xplor Technologies

• revolutioniseSPORT

• Row Nation

• CoachMate

• Clubland Australia

• Tiny Mobile Robots

• Veo Technologies

• 360Player

All offering practical solutions to help clubs, schools, and associations operate smarter, engage participants more deeply, and create safer, more inclusive environments. Whether you're looking to enhance governance, simplify admin, improve coaching, or grow your club’s digital presence, the Expo provides a hands-on opportunity to connect directly with the innovators shaping the future of grassroots sport.

For more information on the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention and the AI, Digital & Sports Tech conference stream, visit nationalsportsconvention.com.au.

Image top. Credit: Veo; image below. Credit: revolutioniseSPORT