Australia is known as a sport loving nation, but when it comes to participating in organised sport, we're spending more time on the bench than on the playing field.
Only one in ten Australians aged 15 and over are taking part in organised sport each week, according to the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) latest national AusPlay survey.
The numbers aren't much better for children with one in three playing organised sport outside of school each week.
A new ASC-led initiative launched today aims to help more Australians to find their place in sport and enjoy the benefits of being involved.
Central to this project is a resource hub that will support sports to tell their story, no matter how big or small their organisation. The hub includes videos, opens in a new tab, posters and assets featuring players, coaches, volunteers and officials from clubs across Australia.
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said busting the myth that sport is only for 'sporty' people is key.
"Sport has so many positive benefits - it connects communities and improves our physical and mental health and wellbeing. But some people aren't giving sport a go because they think it is only for people who are good at it," he said.
"Sport is for all of us and through Play Well, our national sport participation strategy, we are removing barriers so that everyone that wants to be involved can be involved in sport."
Posters, social tiles and digital banners are also available in 11 languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese and Cantonese that sports and clubs can personalise.
"We know only around a quarter of Australians who speak a language other than English at home played organised sport in the past 12 months," Perkins said.
"We want all Australians to hear our message that they are welcome and have a place in sport in Australia."
The activation complements the work already being done by the sector to make sport fun and encourage more Australians to get involved.
This includes developing a Physical Literacy Action Plan, establishing a national research unit to strengthen sport participation through evidence and insight and appointing a Disability Sport Advisory Group to champion inclusion in sport.
