Football Australia has today released its 2025 National Participation Report, confirming football’s position as Australia’s most participated team sport.
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.
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 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.
New APL CEO Steve Rosich paid tribute to the hard work behind these figures:
“Credit to the fantastic work grassroots clubs and community groups are doing across the country to enable and inspire more people to play football.
As a league, this is our growth opportunity – building on the work our clubs are already doing in their communities to create more generational fans to continue to grow our game.”
Executive Director of Football and Deputy CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, said:
“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.”
