A national research project is under way to increase sport participation in Australia.
Led by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the three-year initiative brings together researchers from the University of Newcastle, Deakin University, and the University of Sydney to investigate the barriers, benefits and enablers of sport participation.
ASC Director of Sport Programs Lindsey Reece said the Play Well Research Unit (PWRU) was the first of its kind in Australia.
“This is a significant step forward for sport in Australia, bringing together some of the brightest research minds in the country,” Dr Reece said.
“Researchers will study topics such as the cost, value and benefits of sport, participation trends and sport in schools.”
She said the research would have a strong focus on evaluation and understanding how the findings impacted policy, sport leadership and delivery.
“Not only will the researchers address critical knowledge gaps we currently face in grassroots sport, but they will also help mentor the next generation of academics and build capability across the sport sector.
“This work is just the start and is a gamechanger for sport participation. It will ensure we are investing in the right areas and will help us tackle some of the biggest challenges in sport so we can ensure that everyone that wants to be involved, can be involved in sport.”
Dr Reece said the unit was expected to release its first research in 2026.
