Rising costs of junior sport is reducing participation for young Australians, new research has found.
A recent report from the Australian Sports Commission’s Ausplay survey has shown that over the past year prices for junior sport has soared in every state, making it difficult for Australians who struggle financially to afford to send their children to sport.
UNICEF Deputy Director, Libby Hodgson said, in a media release, that government should step in and assist families.
“Parents believe discounts and vouchers could help make it easier for children to participate in sports especially for households that have to make budget sacrifices,” she said.
People across all ages are experiencing a barrier to participate in sport with prices increasing rapidly, including the cost of transport to games each week.
According to the Australian Sports Commission households earning less than $40,000 per annum have the lowest participation rates within sport (30 per cent) and households earning $200,000 plus have the highest participation rates (40 per cent).
Across many sports children’s participation is largely dependent on whether families can afford the cost of living, leaving many young people missing out weekly on physical activity.
Under 12s South Coast Football Coach, Gabriel Williams has recognised the increased costs for families.
“I think the uniforms shouldn’t cost anything and the registration is just out of this world at the moment because it’s just way too expensive for what it should be for kids,” she said.
Overall rising junior sports costs are creating a growing divide with participation across Australia, with many families unable to keep up with the rapidly increasing prices for registration, uniforms and travel.
This data shows that children who come from lower income households are suffering the most and missing out on opportunities that support both their mental and physical wellbeing.
