New data has confirmed football’s position as Tasmania’s most popular team sport.
The latest update to Sport Australia’s AusPlay survey estimates 7.4 per cent of Tasmanians (39,500) play football each year, ahead of Australian Rules at 4.2 per cent (22,500 participants) and basketball at 4 per cent (21,400 participants)*.
Among juniors, football’s popularity was even more clear cut, with 25.8 per cent of Tasmanian children aged between five and 18 choosing to play the World Game.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said he was confident COVID-19 restrictions would not have a long-term effect on football’s high participation rates in Tasmania.
“Based on my discussions with clubs, players and parents – if anything, the suspension of football due to COVID-19 has only increased desire to get back out on the pitch.
“The health and well-being of football players, volunteers, referees, as well as the broader community is the number one priority for Football Tasmania as we navigate our way through the pandemic.
“Football Tasmania is currently working closely with Football Federation Australia and the Tasmanian Government to establish and implement guidelines which will allow players to get back on the park and again enjoy the numerous benefits football provides, as soon as it’s safe to do so
“We are optimistic of players being able to pull the boots on again in the coming months, depending of course on Government and Public Health advice.”
*Average annual number of participants based on AusPlay data collected between October 2015-December 2019.
To view the results, visit: https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMzlmNjZiOTYtYTVjNC00MzUwLTk2OWMtZTEwMDljZTBjYzI0IiwidCI6IjhkMmUwZjRjLTU1ZjItNGNiMS04ZWU3LWRhNWRkM2ZmMzYwMCJ9