Play Well the focus of Australia’s first Sport Participation Strategy

Squash Australia has welcomed the nation’s first co-designed Sport Participation Strategy which was released today, with all Aussies  being called on to Play Well.

With safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun experiences at the heart of it, Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy is a united approach with a vision that ‘everyone has a place in sport.’

The new Strategy and the Play Well ethos compliments Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy, which is built on creating an environment where athletes and sports can Win Well.

Creating great sporting environments and experiences is central to the Strategy which focuses on people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities coming together to access the benefits of sport.

To mark today’s launch, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has opened a $10.3 million Play Well Participation Grant program to kickstart this exciting new era.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM is a member of the Project Steering Group which oversaw the development of the Strategy and said it’s a defining moment for Australian sport.

“Sport matters to so many Australians but our experiences engaging with sport have been vastly different,” Mr Perkins said. “We’ve listened to the system and we recognise that sport needs to change so that everyone feels welcome.

“We acknowledge that delivering community sport is getting harder. Spaces to play sport are few and far between, especially in regional areas, and the current sport system is often too structured which turns participants away.

“By working together, we can address some of the barriers and challenges and build a stronger Australia.”

The Strategy is built around six priority areas:

• Empowering people and organisations
• Driving lifelong involvement
• Activating places and spaces
• Building connections
• Equitable access
• Transforming culture

Shaun McEachin, Squash Australia National Lead – Sport Development, was a member of the Project Steering Group and says today's release opens up a new era for sports participation across the country.

“Contributing to the development of this strategy as a member of the Project Steering group has been a highlight," said McEachin. "I am incredibly thankful and proud to have played a part in creating safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting environments and experiences.

“For decades, sports including squash, have worked so hard to bring opportunities to the community. This strategy has been co-designed by the sector, for the sector and will change the face of sport to help more Australians play well.

“Squash is well placed with the Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy through its Strategic Plan: 2022-2026 and aligns well with the first horizon Play Well. “

The Strategy provides a roadmap over three horizons to 2032 and beyond.

The ASC’s $10.3 million Play Well Participation Grant program will help kickstart Horizon 1 which focuses on aligning the sector and driving participation in sport.

National sport and physical activity organisations will be able to apply for grants to deliver innovative projects that drive a lifelong involvement in sport.

Local Government Councils can also apply for funding to host Come & Try days and multi-sport festivals in their communities that promote equitable access for all. Applications for the Play Well Participation Grant Program are open until 23 February 2024.