Football has retained its standing as Tasmania’s most played team sport.
An estimated 36,773 Tasmanians (6.8 per cent of the state’s population) play football each year according to Sport Australia’s latest independent Ausplay survey aggregated data set*.
Football’s popularity was most notable among juniors, with 23.8 per cent of Tasmanians aged between five and 17 playing the sport, with this figure reaching 42.2 ad 40.4 per cent in the Clarence and Hobart areas respectively.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said it was important football infrastructure continued to improve in Tasmania to allow for future participation growth.
“As Tasmania’s most-played team sport, football continues to provide enormous health and social benefits to the community,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“Saturday morning football is a ritual for many Tasmanian families during the colder months, and we’re also seeing more and more people accessing the World Game through non-traditional formats such as a futsal and walking football, all year-round.
“Community sport took a hit in 2020 due to COVID, but the signs are pointing to bumper year for football in 2021, with registrations stronger than ever as junior competitions across the state kick off.
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM coming to Australia and New Zealand and the possibility of training camps and practice matches taking place in Tasmania, we’re expecting participation to rise even further, particularly among women and girls as they look to emulate their favourite Matilda player.
“Tasmania already leads the nation when it comes to female participation, making up 28 per cent of all players. Along with Football Australia, we are striving to reach a 50:50 gender participation balance by 2027.
“With so many players and exciting times ahead, it’s vital football infrastructure upgrades continue to keep pace with participation growth. While some sports are struggling to find enough players to get on the park, many clubs are struggling to find enough playing and training spaces for their players.
“Although this is arguably a good problem to have, we want to make sure there are no limits or barriers to all Tasmanians enjoying a healthy and connected life through football.
“We thank both major parties for the support and consideration shown to football during the election campaign and look forward to working with the Government to make sure infrastructure continues to improve so that even more Tasmanians can enjoy the vast health and social benefits the sport provides.”
Mr Bulkeley said it wasn’t too late for interested junior players to join a club for the season
“If you’re new to football, just visit www.playfootball.com.au and follow the prompts to find a club close to you,” he said
According to the latest Ausplay data, football is the most popular team sport in the Central Coast, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingborough and Launceston municipalities.
Key Ausplay stats
- Football participation, Tasmania, all ages: 8 per cent (most played team sport)
- Football participation, Tasmania, ages 5-17: 8 per cent (most played team sport)
- Football participation, Hobart Council area, ages 5-17: 4 per cent
- Football participation, Launceston Council area, ages 5-17: 6 per cent
- Football participation, Clarence Council area, ages 5-17: 2 per cent
- Football is the most popular team sport in the following council areas:
- Central Coast
- Clarence
- Glenorchy
- Hobart
- Kingborough
- Launceston