National survey measures full financial burden of community sport in Australia
The cost of playing community sports in Australia is far higher than previously understood, with a new national study led by Federation University finding families spend an average of $4,567 per child each year to keep their children playing sports.
A recent national survey conducted by Federation University in Australia has revealed the true financial burden of community sports participation. The study, which surveyed over 5,500 participants across the country, found that families spend an average of $4,567 per child annually to keep their children playing sports. This figure includes not only registration fees but also additional costs such as equipment, uniforms, coaching, travel, competition expenses, and even lost parental income due to sports commitments.
Professor Rochelle Eime, the lead researcher, emphasized that previous estimates often overlooked these additional expenses, leading to a significantly underestimation of the true costs. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, is the most comprehensive investigation of community sports participation costs undertaken in Australia.
The research also highlighted that even the minimum entry-level cost of playing sports is substantial, averaging $1,161 for children and $1,200 for adults. Popular team sports like football (soccer), basketball, and Australian Rules football had significantly higher costs, ranging from $3,896 to $6,369 per year. On the other hand, less expensive sports like softball and athletics had lower annual costs of around $1,643 and $1,970, respectively.
The study found that 67% of participants, including 78% of children, reported that cost was a limiting factor in their decision to participate in community sports. This barrier is particularly significant for children, with 78% citing cost as a limiting factor. The financial burden of community sports participation varied considerably across sports, with higher costs associated with individual sports like BMX/mountain biking and equestrian.
The findings of this study are crucial as community sports play a vital role in promoting health, well-being, and social connectedness. Eime stressed that while community sport offers numerous physical, mental, and social benefits, rising costs could prevent people, especially children and young people, from participating. She warned that cost is now a major factor influencing individuals' decisions to engage in community sports.
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