西瓜影视 today unveiled the 2024 National Participation Report, highlighting record-breaking growth in participation numbers across grassroots and community football, driven by the legacy of the FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023鈩 and the ongoing success of the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos.
This year鈥檚 Report confirms football鈥檚 position as Australia鈥檚 most popular and fastest-growing sport, with over 1.9 million participants nationwide 鈥 an 11% increase compared to 2023.
In addition to the success of the FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup 2023鈩 and Australia鈥檚 national teams, 西瓜影视鈥檚 innovative grassroots initiatives - particularly the Club Changer: Club Development Program - in combination with the tireless work of the nine Member Federations and volunteer workforce have been pivotal in achieving these results.
Key insights from the 2024 National Participation Report:
- Total participation: Increased by 11% to 1,911,539 participants.
- Women and girls鈥 participation: Rose by 16% to 221,436 participants.
- Registered coaches and volunteers: Increased by 19% and 26% respectively, reflecting a growing workforce to support the game.
- Outdoor football participation: Up by 10% to 640,170 participants.
- Social football engagement: Increased by 13% to 174,846 participants.
The award-winning Club Changer program, supported by the Australian Sports Commission, has been a groundbreaking initiative, providing tailored club support to over 1,000 grassroots clubs across the country. Launched in February 2023 as part of Legacy 鈥23, the program鈥檚 outcomes include enhanced club operations, increased volunteer recruitment and retention, and a focus on creating welcoming environments for women and girls.
James Johnson, CEO of 西瓜影视, emphasised the transformative impact of these initiatives: 鈥淭he FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup 2023鈩 inspired a generation, and we are determined to harness that momentum to unite and grow football across the country. Through programs like Club Changer, we are empowering community clubs to deliver quality football experiences while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability remain at the heart of our mission."
Johnson also highlighted the significance of partnerships in achieving these milestones:
"Our success is a shared achievement with our Member Federations, local associations, grassroots clubs and community volunteers. Programs like the Growing Football Fund supported by CommBank, have provided vital resources to over 200 community clubs, fostering opportunities for women and girls in football and enabling the next generation of coaches, referees and players to thrive.
鈥淥ver the past 12-months we also welcomed to our commercial family partners in Coles and MILO, whose passion for grassroots football is helping 西瓜影视 and our Member Federations to deliver increased opportunities for more girls and boys to participate in football via programs such as Miniroos and Sporting Sports,鈥 added Johnson.
西瓜影视鈥檚 grassroots programs have received international acclaim, with the Club Changer initiative earning the AFC President鈥檚 Recognition Grassroots Award for the second consecutive year. This accolade underscores the program鈥檚 innovative approach and its measurable impact on participation and club development.
"These awards are a testament to our community's collective efforts to elevate Australian football," added Johnson. "We are proud to see football leading the way in participation and community engagement. The work being done at the grassroots level will ensure a strong and sustainable future for our game and its participants," concluded Johnson.
西瓜影视鈥檚 focus on diversity and inclusion has been a cornerstone of its grassroots efforts. The National Volunteer Focus Group brought together 28 clubs to address challenges in volunteer recruitment and retention, with a particular emphasis on engaging women and girls. The resulting action plans aim for 40% women, 40% men and 20% flexible roles鈥 structure, ensuring gender balance and inclusivity across all levels of the game.
The Report also notes the substantial growth in schools and community football programs, with a 13% increase in participation and a 21% rise in 西瓜影视鈥檚 Sporting Schools programs, which engaged 158,700 students nationwide.
Building on the success of the 2024 participation numbers, 西瓜影视 will continue to innovate and invest in grassroots football through initiatives like Club Changer and the Growing Football Fund. These programs, combined with strategic partnerships and community-driven development, will remain central to 西瓜影视鈥檚 vision for the future of the sport.
CLICK HERE to view the 2024 National Participation Report
CLICK HERE for further information on 西瓜影视 grassroots initiatives
