Football Australia Confirms 1.93 Million Participants in Record 2025 Report

Football Australia has released its 2025 National Participation Report, officially cementing football’s status as the nation’s most popular team sport.

The report reveals a record 1.93 million Australians engaged with the game over the past year, reflecting a broad surge across community clubs, schools, and social formats.

The data hihglights the sport’s massive scale, supported by a network of more than 3,300 community clubs and an expanding army of volunteers.

In addition, the growth is not limited to traditional formats; the report highlights a significant rise in futsal and inclusive programmes, as well as a record 231,435 women and girls now participating in the game—a trend driven by the enduring legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Commenting on the report, executive director of Football and Deputy CEO, Heather Garriock, said: “More than 1.9 million Australians are choosing football because it welcomes everyone.” 

 “Numbers reflect a game that is growing in every postcode — inclusive, accessible and deeply connected to the fabric of Australian life,

“To continue supporting that diversity, we must invest in quality pitches and climate-resilient community infrastructure,” Garriock noted.

Strategic Challenges: Infrastructure and Capacity

Despite the record numbers, the organisation warned of a growing $2.8 billion infrastructure gap. As participation outpaces the availability of quality facilities, Football Australia is doubling down on its “Securing Our Football Future” policy platform.

The strategy calls for a coordinated $3 billion investment from all levels of government to address critical shortages in female-friendly changerooms, pitch lighting, and weather-resilient drainage.

A Landmark Year Ahead

In the coming months, the Matildas will compete on home soil for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (hosted in Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast), while the Socceroos are set to represent the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The program for the next 12 months aims to bridge the gap between grassroots participation and elite success, leveraging major international tournaments to drive further investment into local club capacity and talent pathways.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.