BEYOND THE GAME - The Value of Community Sport and Active Recreation in NSW
Published Fri 27 Feb 2026
Sport NSW launches landmark report quantifying $34.7 billion annual value of community sport
Sport NSW today launched Beyond the Game: The Value of Community Sport and Active Recreation in NSW at the NSW Sports Industry Conference, revealing for the first time the full scale of community sport’s contribution to the state.
The comprehensive report finds that community sport and active recreation deliver $34.7 billion in annual social, economic and health benefits to NSW, equivalent to more than $4,039 for every resident.
In a first for NSW, independent research conducted by the University of Technology Sydney has identified the key impacts of community sport and assigned credible dollar values to each, providing a robust evidence base for future investment and policy decisions.
With almost two million registered participants and 900,000 volunteers across the state, community sport plays an essential role in the lives of individuals, families and communities. The sector comprises almost 100 State Sporting Organisations and their extensive network of clubs and community partners.
Sport NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said the report reframes how sport should be viewed in public policy and community life.
“Across numerous studies, the positive impacts of sport are well documented. Yet despite these benefits, the community sport sector is often underappreciated,” Mr Hodge said.
“It is time to recognise sport not simply as recreation, but as critical social infrastructure that delivers measurable outcomes for the people of NSW.
“Beyond the Game reveals a sector that is a powerful engine for fostering connection and belonging, strengthening social cohesion, boosting economic activity and creating healthier futures.”
The report comes at a time when communities are facing growing pressures around health, wellbeing and social cohesion.
“With immediate challenges to social cohesion, the importance of recognising the power of sport to heal and unify has never been greater,” Mr Hodge said.
“To unlock the full value of sport and deliver even greater returns, Sport NSW calls on Government, the non-government sector, philanthropic organisations and corporate partners to recognise and prioritise investment in community sport as essential to building a healthier, happier and more prosperous NSW.
“The community sport sector stands ready to partner with all stakeholders to drive impactful outcomes and maximise the return on investment for our state.”
Beyond the Game: The Value of Community Sport and Active Recreation in NSW is available through Sport NSW.
Recommendations: Partner with Sport for Impact:
- Support the Community Sport Sector:
- Continue the Organisation Support Program and increase the funding available to $20 million annually
- Invest in Facilities that Empower:
- Commit $100 million annually to invest in facilities and spaces
- Drive Participation to Build Stronger Communities and Improve Health and Wellbeing:
- Continue Active and Creative Kids Vouchers
- Fund a Voucher program for NSW Seniors to participate or volunteer in Sport
- Retain and extend the Learn to Swim Program.
- Ensure Preferential and Affordable Access to Facilities:
- Establish the State Sporting Organisation Rental Policy to enable affordable access to state or operated facilities for State Sporting Organisations.
- Establish an annual $2 million Significant Sporting Events Fund open to State Sporting Organisations to support hosting state and national sporting competitions
- Seize the Green and Gold opportunity
- In the lead up to Brisbane 2032, drive a whole of government approach to developing and delivering an Olympic and Paralympic legacy program in line with Impact 2032
The Value of Community Sport and Active Recreation in NSW - 2026 NSW Sports Industry Conference Panel Discusion - Watch Video
