NSC, ASC Unite WIth Play Well Strategy

In a significant development aligning with the 10th anniversary of the National Sports Convention (NSC), the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has partnered with the event to launch the Participation Stream for the first time.

The new stream, titled “Play Well – Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy,” epitomises the sector’s collective commitment to promoting inclusive participation in sport.

Martin Sheppard, CEO of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, said: “For the past decade, NSC has been at the forefront of driving innovation and thought leadership in sport and physical activity.”

“Partnering with the Australian Sports Commission for the Play Well stream is an exciting milestone, ensuring that participation remains at the heart of our industry’s future. Together, we are creating a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful change,” he said.

“Play Well” serves as the national framework aimed at fostering engaging sporting environments that welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and abilities.

This collaboration between the NSC and ASC highlights a mutual dedication to creating a more active Australia, bringing together key stakeholders to deliver industry-focused insights on effectively realising the goals of the Play Well strategy.

The Play Well stream, set for NSC 2025, promises a range of impactful sessions led by prominent thought leaders and industry experts. Notably, the Impact Keynote Session will be chaired by esteemed sports journalist Tracey Holmes, focusing on the Implementation Plan for Play Well, assessing its Year 1 progress and setting strategic objectives moving forward. Cameron French, General Manager for Participation at the ASC, will offer a comprehensive evaluation of the initiative’s inaugural year, followed by a panel discussion featuring insights from Stuart Hodge, CEO of Sport NSW, and Molina Asthana, Chair of Gymnastics Victoria and member of the Play Well Leadership Group.

A key feature of the Play Well stream will be the “Year 2 Play Well Implementation Activities Workshop.” Jamie Bradnam, Director of Sporting Schools at the ASC, will present a wholistic approach to sports participation through the lens of Physical Literacy. Meanwhile, Sue McGill, Director of Participation Growth at the ASC, will explore innovative ways to unlock new active spaces, thereby broadening participation possibilities.

The Case Study Workshop, titled “What is the Value of Sport,” will evaluate the broader impact of sports on individuals and communities.

Lindsey Reece, Director of Sports Programs at the ASC, will guide discussions with leading experts, including Professor Larissa Davies from Manchester Metropolitan University, who will address the affordability of sport, and Rochelle Eime, Deputy Chair of Vicsport, who will share insights into the social and economic implications of sports participation.

Innovation and collaboration will be pivotal during the Play Well PitchFEST Workshop, aimed at cultivating positive sporting environments.

Chaired by Matt Rippon, Senior Advisor for Participation Growth at the ASC, the session will feature groundbreaking proposals from Professor John Cairney of the University of Queensland, Alexis Cooper of Sport Integrity Australia, and ASC representatives Adam Cassidy and Steve Marquis.

The stream will conclude with the Challenge and Solutions Session, which will tackle sector-wide collaboration aimed at enhancing the sports industry and developing effective operating models.

Led by Heidi Auricht-Doyle, Play Well Implementation Lead at the ASC, this closing session will showcase insights from Adam Bishop, General Manager of Growth and Development at Australian Athletics, Shaun McEachin, National Lead for Sport Development at Squash Australia, and Megan Carr, Female Engagement Manager at Golf Australia.