Aussies unaware of upcoming ‘golden decade’ of sport

Deakin

A new national survey by Deakin University has revealed that while nearly all Australians (97 per cent) believe that Australia is a sporting nation, there is still low awareness of the projected industry growth and career potential in sport.

Speaking to over 1000 Aussie parents and 300 high school students aged 16-17, the survey sought to understand Australian sentiment towards sport and careers in sport-related fields.

The survey comes as Australia is set to enter ‘The Golden Decade of Sport’ – with the nation anticipated to host 10 major global sporting events over the next 10 years, generating thousands of job opportunities for those interested in sport-related fields.

When asked about their awareness of major sporting events taking place in Australia over the next decade, almost half of Aussie parents surveyed were unaware that the Olympic Games (48 per cent), the FIFA Women’s World Cup (39 per cent), the Paralympic Games (31 per cent) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (31 per cent) will be held in Australia.

Looking at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games alone, the Queensland Government anticipates over 130,000 direct jobs will be created locally.

Yet, when asked to predict the number of job opportunities to be created by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 40 per cent of Australian parents predicted fewer than 5,000 jobs will be created. This was also the perception amongst students, with almost half (46 per cent) believing fewer than 5,000 jobs will be created.

Despite this underestimation, 9-in-10 (91 per cent) parents say that they would support their child in pursuing a career in a sport-related field if they were interested in doing so. In fact, 6-in-10 (58 per cent) say they definitely would support them.

Respondents were also questioned on why they think Australia is a sporting nation. The most common reasons parents consider this is because of the nation’s strong performance in international competitions (61 per cent), the world-class sporting events Australia hosts (61 per cent) and the strong community sport programs through local clubs (61 per cent).

Parents were least likely to consider Australia a sporting nation because of the career opportunities in sport (33 per cent).

Director of Deakin Sport, Professor David Shilbury, Professor David Shilbury, says the survey findings speak to long-held biases about studying and pursuing sport-related careers in Australia.

“The Australian sport industry is one of the most diverse and celebrated in the world. However, it’s unsurprising to hear its size and expected growth is being underestimated. Although Australia produces some of the world’s more respected sport administrators, managers and scientists, it is typically the success of our athletes that steals the limelight, not so much the work that is achieved beyond the field of play.

The next generation of sport professionals will be exposed to an exceptional number of opportunities, more so than any other generation. Those interested in sport or a sport-related field would be wise to begin developing their skills now, helping them to take full advantage of the rich career pathways that lie ahead.”

The report also revealed insights into the influence Aussie parents have over their child’s career choices, with 8-in-10 (82 per cent) students agreeing that their parents/guardians have influence over their job choices. Of those, 16 per cent of students believe their parents have a significant influence.

Mirroring this, three-quarters (78 per cent) of parents believe they have influence over their child’s career path, with a quarter (24 per cent) believing they have a significant influence.

Conversely, 1-in-5 Australian students surveyed (21 per cent) don’t feel confident that their parents would encourage them to pursue a career in a sport-related field.

Melbourne Vixens netballer and Deakin University student Kate Moloney says opportunities to pursue a career in sport in Australia are there for the taking.

“The Australian sporting industry has flourished over the last decade. With the introduction of international competitions and a stronger contingent of professional women’s leagues, we are living through one of the most exciting eras in Australian sport. Parents should take comfort in the fact that if their child is interested in a career in sport, the opportunities are plentiful and diverse.”

Deakin University is ranked #1 in the world for sport science and sixth in the world for sport-related subjects. To learn more about studying sport at Deakin University, visit deakin.edu.au/sport-at-deakin.

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