AusPlay Report Confirms Opportunity for Growth as Squash Participation Builds Momentum
Published Tue 10 Jun 2025
Recently, the Australian Sports Commission released its latest participation insights through the refreshed AusPlay report and expanded data portal. Based on data collected between July 2023 and December 2024, this release marks a significant shift in how sport and physical activity are measured in Australia.
With updated survey methodology introduced in July 2023, AusPlay now provides a clearer, more nuanced picture of how Australians engage with physical activity, capturing both informal and organised sport. While squash is not yet listed among the top 15 sports nationally, the new report confirms that it is gaining ground, with signs of steady participation growth and a solid foundation for the future.
The data confirms that organised squash participation currently sits just under 0.5 percent, which equates to approximately 102,337 Australians aged 15 and over. While this is lower than major sports such as tennis and netball, it reflects a significant number of people actively engaged in a facility-based sport with historically limited visibility. Notably, adult participation levels are trending upward, and squash continues to show potential for broader community engagement.
Although AusPlay notes that comparisons with previous years cannot be made due to changes in survey methodology, the inclusion of squash in every annual release from 2019 to 2023 is a positive indicator of data maturity and improved reporting accuracy. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on indoor sport participation in 2020 and 2021, squash has demonstrated a gradual recovery and is now benefitting from renewed investment in participation programs and digital infrastructure.
A key driver of this recovery is the national junior participation program, Squash Stars, which has seen a 52 percent increase in school bookings and a 127 percent growth in student participants through the Sporting Schools platform. This reflects a growing appetite for accessible, school-based squash experiences and a positive shift in junior participation across the country.
In addition, Squash Australia’s digital transformation through MySquashAUS has played a vital role in strengthening the national participation framework. With 12,000 active members, the platform has achieved its highest membership level since the system launched. This milestone supports Squash Australia's Strategic Participation Priority to “capture the data of every squash and racquetball player who walks into a squash centre across the country.”
Shaun McEachin, Squash Australia’s National Lead – Sport Development, said the AusPlay findings reinforce the value of this multi-pronged approach:
“The AusPlay results reflect a sport that is steadily building momentum. Through Squash Stars, MySquashAUS and our community partnerships, we are creating a stronger foundation for lifelong participation. These results show us that when we meet schools, players and providers where they are, with quality programs and accessible formats, squash responds. There’s a lot to be optimistic about.”
With the new AusPlay portal set to release updated data every six months, and long-term comparisons possible from October 2025, Squash Australia will continue to track progress and invest in growing participation. The building blocks are in place. From schools to clubs and centres, squash is strengthening its place in Australia’s sporting landscape.
For more information about AusPlay, visit the AusPlay website: https://www.
