While the cost of living rises, government support for junior sport has remained stagnant, with families being forced to fork out money to ensure their children are able to participate in healthy activities.
In NSW the active kids voucher has decreased from the original two vouchers of $100 to now two vouchers of $50.
The eligibility requirements has also changed drastically with only school enrolled children aged between 4.5 and 18 years able to claim.
The new eligibility also requires a combined incom of no more than $65,189.
Wollongong parent Keti Whitmee was an avid user of this voucher with four children, three of which played football.
“Having three boys heavily involved in soccer, term invoices add up to a huge amount,” Ms Whitmee said.
“The vouchers were a huge help. It meant that extra money could go towards gear or boots.
“The vouchers were a relief every time I was given one.”
With a lack of funding and a major drop in access, participation numbers in children’s sport has fallen.
The Australian Sports Foundation’s survey found the biggest decline in participation was among children aged 11 to 18.
CEO Patrick Walker said the dropout rates were alarming.
“The big concern is that they’ve dropped out of sport, and at that age group they’re much less likely to be physically active and engaged in sport later on. That’s obviously creating health problems,” he said.
“Participation in sport is not only the physical activity, but it’s the engagement in community, playing with your friends, having fun with your friends, which is so good for mental health.”
It is feared that the lack in support from the NSW government will result in a further decline in children’s sport causing a lack of physical activity and an increase in potential health issues.
Additional reporter: Marcus Stevanoski
