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Study Finds Low Awareness Of Careers In Sport

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Study Finds Low Awareness Of Careers In Sport

A new national survey by Deakin University has shown there is a low awareness of the projected growth of the sporting industry and of the career opportunities in Australian sport.

The survey included over 1,000 Australian parents and 300 high school students aged 16-17 in an attempt to better understand Australian sentiment to sport and careers in sport.

The survey also found 91% of parents would support their child in pursuing a career in a sport-related field, despite being least likely to consider Australia a sporting nation because of the career opportunities in sport.

The focus of the survey included a look forward into the next decade of major sporting events in Australia, with almost half of parents being unaware the Olympic Games (48% aware), the FIFA Women’s World Cup (39% aware), the Paralympic Games (31% aware), and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (31% aware) will be held in Australia within the next 10 years.

Off the back of this, respondents were asked to predict the number of job opportunities set to be created by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with 40% of parents predicting fewer than 5,000 jobs and 46% of students predicting fewer than 5,000.

The current projection from the Queensland Government suggests over 130,000 jobs will be created directly from the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Discussing the results of the survey, Deakin Sport director, David Shilbury, said the findings point to long-held biases about studying and working in sport in Australia.

“The Australian sport industry is one of the most diverse and celebrated in the world,” Shilbury said.

“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,” he said.

Melbourne Vixens athlete and current Deakin University student, Kate Moloney, said: “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,” Moloney said.

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