Future sporting talent at risk as sports clubs dwindle

A concerning number of clubs are on the brink of collapse following rising costs and falling revenue ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

Fears are growing the breeding grounds of Australia’s future sporting talent will disappear as mounting expenses and cost of living pressures put the squeeze on clubs.

A decade out from the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games these testing fields are under threat with volunteer and participation numbers dwindling, young athletes are losing out on the chance to become the stars of the Games.

The Australian Sports Foundation’s (ASF) annual ‘Your Sport Your Say’ report uncovered almost one in five community sports clubs are on the brink of collapse and more than one in four clubs have a declining registration levels among 15 to 19 year olds.

“The greatest decline in participation amongst clubs surveyed has occurred amongst teenagers aged 15-19 years. This is a continuation of a trend, noted in the ASF’s 2021 research, demonstrating older teenagers are the demographic cohort most likely to disengage from community sport,” the report said.

More than 3000 clubs across Australia completed the survey, with over half saying cost of living pressures had affected member registrations and two out of three said running costs were cruelling clubs, which had seen a rise of 47 per cent since 2021.

Cost of living and running costs are cruelling clubs, a survey has found.

“For these clubs, running costs have increased on average by $20,529. Of the clubs surveyed, 28% reported a decrease in their financial reserves in the last twelve months, with an average of a $30,891 drop in cash reserves among this group.”

According to the report the Brisbane 2032 Games will be an opportunity to leverage funding and turn the dire situation around.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present an enormous opportunity to boost participation, attract funding and reinvigorate Australia’s enthusiasm toward community sport. “The legacy benefits of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games for Australia’s sporting infrastructure, preventative health and wellbeing agenda are significant, as such, many community sporting clubs are alive to the opportunities the Games present.”

Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum at the Brisbane RNA convention Centre - Athletes attending the Olympic forum were Natalie Cook, Bridie Kean, Susie O'Neill and Patrick Johnson. Picture David Clark

Chief Executive Officer of ASF Patrick Walker said local sport was at a crossroads.

“Local sport has long been the backbone of community health and cohesion as well as being a breeding ground for Australia’s sporting success. But it is now at a crossroads,” he said.

“The clubs and their hardworking volunteers have done a magnificent job staying open in the face of unbearable pressure from high inflation, extreme weather events and Covid-19. But we have now got to the point where many clubs - especially the smaller ones - may have no choice other than to close their doors.

“This could have serious long-term consequences for physical and mental health and social cohesion, as well as restricting opportunities for budding young sports stars to fulfil their potential.

“With the countdown underway to the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032, the time has come for us all to give back to local sporting clubs which have contributed so much to Australia and helped shape who we are as Australians.”

Mr Walker said while funding the 2032 Games was important, there needs to be a focus on grassroots sports and clubs as well.

“Every champion starts at the grassroots.

“If you look at kids, over 80% of kids from high income families participate in sports but only 50% of kids from low income families participate,”

He said sports will fall away if only the haves can participate.