Football Australia has today released its 2025 National Participation Report, confirming football’s position as Australia’s most participated team sport, with participation continuing to grow across clubs, schools and community programs nationwide.
In 2025, 1.93 million Australians participated in football across clubs, schools, social formats, futsal and inclusion programs, confirming that football remains Australia’s most participated team sport across every corner, culture and generation in Australia.
This growth is supported by a nationwide network of more than 3,300 community clubs (of which 2,219 take registrations), and by the volunteers, coaches and referees who deliver football in communities every day. Football continues to be played in every postcode, reflecting its accessibility and reach across communities of all sizes and backgrounds.
One of the most significant and encouraging trends in the report is the continued growth of women and girls’ participation, which has reached 231,435 participants across outdoor, futsal and social formats. This growth reflects sustained demand, improved pathways and increased opportunities for women and girls to participate in football at all levels.
The report also reinforces the growing importance of community infrastructure in supporting participation, particularly as demand across women and girls’ football and flexible formats such as social football and futsal. While participation continues to grow, capacity constraints at the community level remain a key challenge for clubs across the country.
The release of the Participation Report comes as Football Australia continues to advocate for long-term, coordinated investment through its Securing Our Football Future policy platform, calling for partnerships with all levels of government to support infrastructure, pathways and community football nationwide.
The year ahead also presents a significant moment for Australian football, with the Matildas set to compete on home soil at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the Socceroos representing Australia at the FIFA World Cup, further strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the global game.
The 2025 National Participation Report is available here.
Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Football and Deputy CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock:
“Football continues to be Australia’s most participated team sport. It is a powerful force in communities across country, and numbers reflect a game that is growing in every postcode — inclusive, accessible and deeply connected to the fabric of Australia life.”
“More than 1.9 million Australians are choosing football — in clubs, schools and communities — because it welcomes everyone and offers multiple ways to stay involved throughout life.”
“One of the most encouraging trends in this year’s report is the continued growth in women and girls’ participation, which speaks to the momentum in the game and the importance of continuing to invest in pathways and environments that support inclusive participation.”
“Football is a reflection of multicultural Australia — bringing together people from every background, culture and community through a shared love of the game. To continue supporting that diversity and growing demand, we must invest in quality pitches, lighting, inclusive changerooms and climate-resilient community infrastructure so our clubs have the capacity to welcome everyone who wants to play.”
“With the Matildas competing on home soil at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the Socceroos representing Australia at the FIFA World Cup, the year ahead is an exciting moment for football and a powerful reminder of the connection between grassroots participation and the global game.”
