In the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Allianz Australia has released new research indicating that 30% of young Australians are considering quitting sports by the age of 15.
The study highlights key reasons for this trend, including time commitments, financial pressures, competitiveness, and waning interest.
Sports hold a significant place in Australian culture, from local clubs to national events like the Olympics and Paralympics. Despite this, Allianz Australia’s latest research showed a notable portion of Australian children are contemplating withdrawing from sports, with a considerable number ceasing extracurricular sports by the age of 15.
The trend is especially marked among girls and children with disabilities, with 50% of the latter group stopping sports by age 11.
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The research identified time and financial constraints – such as increasing membership fees and travel costs – as primary barriers. Additionally, competitiveness and accessibility issues further contribute to the decline in participation.
One in 10 children without disabilities and one in four with disabilities have reported quitting sports due to anxiety, choosing instead to engage in other activities like gaming.
Dr. Emma Steer, a clinical psychologist at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre, emphasised the significance of a supportive environment in motivating children to remain in sports.
“Ensuring children know they have a strong support network around them can be a huge motivation for them to stay in sport. Seeing their parents and guardians cheer them on, showing pride in their participation and giving words of affirmation are some of the ways Aussie kids can feel supported,” she said.
She highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of sports, including building confidence and teamwork skills, and emphasised the need to keep children engaged to help them achieve their potential.
With the Paris 2024 Games on the horizon, Allianz Australia is focusing on the advantages of sports for young Australians.
The company has collaborated with grassroots sports teams to inspire future Olympians and Paralympians. It will recreate the experience of competing before 45,000 cheering Australians at Allianz Stadium, using recorded cheers from athletes such as Madi de Rozario, Joshua Katz, and Nikita Hains.
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Owen Wright, Olympic bronze medallist surfer and Allianz ambassador, highlighted the importance of support networks in athletic success.
“Becoming an elite athlete is definitely no easy feat; it takes a lot of time, dedication, and perseverance. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my support network and my country cheering me on – because there is no other feeling like being cheered on to do your best. The confidence and encouragement it offers is indescribable, and I am so excited to share this feeling with the next generation of young athletes,” he said.
Mollie O'Callaghan, a young and accomplished swimmer who was named Allianz Olympic ambassador early this year, commented: “I was lucky to have the opportunity to see Olympic swimming icons, such as Cate Campbell and Emily Seebohm, compete at other meets. And I remember thinking, ‘These women in front of me are so inspirational, I want to do what they’re doing.’ Having the support of the community and watching my idols compete on the world stage has certainly helped me stay focused on the path to reaching my goals.
“The Allianz Grassroots Champions initiative will give young athletes the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be cheered on by their country. I can’t wait to watch them have an experience of a lifetime and cheer them on.”
Allianz Australia’s research suggested that flexible financial commitments, a greater focus on enjoyment over competition, and enhanced coach training to support all children can help sustain youth sports participation.
“At Allianz, we are passionate about celebrating the unifying power of sport in all Australian communities,” said Laura Halbert, general manager of customer strategy and marketing at Allianz Australia. “Our research shows that the Olympic and Paralympic Movements can help inspire young Australians to get involved in sport, and we’re proud to use this moment to cheer on the next generation of elite athletes and local sporting legends so they can feel the support of the nation behind them.”
The Paris 2024 Organising Committee has appointed Allianz Partners to provide medical assistance and repatriation services during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
