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Football Australia has today unveiled its 2024 National Participation Report, highlighting record-breaking growth in participation numbers across grassroots and community football, driven by the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 and the ongoing success of the Matildas and Socceroos.

This year’s Report confirms football’s position as Australia’s most popular and fastest-growing sport, with over 1.9 million participants nationwide - an 11% increase compared to 2023.

In addition to the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and Australia’s national teams, Football Australia’s innovative grassroots initiatives - particularly the Club Changer: Club Development Program - in combination with the tireless work of the nine Member Federations and volunteer workforce have been pivotal in achieving these results.

Key insights from the 2024 National Participation Report:

• Total participation: Increased by 11% to 1,911,539 participants.
• Women and girls’ participation: Rose by 16% to 221,436 participants.
• Registered coaches and volunteers: Increased by 19% and 26% respectively, reflecting a growing workforce to support the game.
• Outdoor football participation: Up by 10% to 640,170 participants.
• Social football engagement: Increased by 13% to 174,846 participants.

The award-winning Club Changer program, supported by the Australian Sports Commission, has been a groundbreaking initiative, providing tailored club support to over 1,000 grassroots clubs across the country. Launched in February 2023 as part of Legacy ‘23, the program’s outcomes include enhanced club operations, increased volunteer recruitment and retention, and a focus on creating welcoming environments for women and girls.

Emphasising the impact of these initiatives, Football Australia Chief Executive, James Johnson (pictured) stated “the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ inspired a generation, and we are determined to harness that momentum to unite and grow football across the country. Through programs like Club Changer, we are empowering community clubs to deliver quality football experiences while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability remain at the heart of our mission."

Johnson also highlighted the significance of partnerships in achieving these milestones, adding “our success is a shared achievement with our Member Federations, local associations, grassroots clubs and community volunteers.

“Programs like the Growing Football Fund supported by CommBank, have provided vital resources to over 200 community clubs, fostering opportunities for women and girls in football and enabling the next generation of coaches, referees and players to thrive.”

Football Australia’s grassroots programs have received international acclaim, with the Club Changer initiative earning the AFC President’s Recognition Grassroots Award for the second consecutive year. This accolade underscores the program’s innovative approach and its measurable impact on participation and club development.

The Report also notes the substantial growth in schools and community football programs, with a 13% increase in participation and a 21% rise in Football Australia’s Sporting Schools programs, which engaged 158,700 students nationwide.

Click here to view the 2024 National Participation Report.

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