The Sport and Recreation sector Caroline Sheehan Health through Sport and Recreation Program VicHealth

What I will cover…..  What is the sport and recreation sector  Overview of sport and recreation participation data  VicHealth’s work in the sport and recreation sector and the opportunities it may provide you

VicHealth  Statutory body - Health Promotion agency  Work across a number of sectors  Strong interest in sport and recreation sector  Interested in physical activity

What is the sport and recreation sector ?  HUGE!!!!!  VicHealth takes a broad interpretation of the S&R sector  More than just organised sport i.e. football and cricket

The Sport and Recreation Sector includes…....  State Sporting Associations (ie Croquet Victoria)  Regional associations / leagues (ie Western District Croquet League)  Local sporting clubs (ie Colac Croquet Club)  Regional Sports Assemblies  Neighbourhood houses

The Sport and Recreation Sector includes…....  Local Government Recreation and Leisure departments  Sport and recreation facilities (YMCA, pools, gyms, squash centres, basketball stadiums)  Outdoor Recreation Sector (Scouts, Guides, Duke of Ed, Bushwalking Federation etc)  Aboriginal Co-Op’s, Disability agencies (ie Scope, MS Society)

The Sport and Recreation Sector includes…....  Mix of private and not for profit organisations  Mix of volunteers and professionals  Huge range in capacity  Plenty of opportunities

Participation trends …..  Tricky to get a clear picture – issues with data collection, questions used, ages surveyed etc  Over sampling of Victorian data as part of ERASS survey (VH / SRV)  Can report on trends …

Participation trends  Participation in structured S&R is declining  More people participate in non structured activities (particularly women)  More males overall participate but females participate slightly more frequently

Participation trends  Slightly more people in metro area participate in PA than rural / regional Vic  Men more likely to participate in activities organised by clubs or associations  Women in activities organised by fitness, leisure or indoor sport centres

For a detailed discussion…  See Directions for Physical Activity – VicHealth Discussion document (Kate Driscoll and Liz Wood, RMIT)  Can be downloaded at  Look under Publications – sport and recreation

VicHealth’s work in the S&R Sector  Partnerships for Health scheme  51 SSA’s  supporting clubs to provide a healthier and more inclusive environment (smokefree, alcohol, sports injury, sunsmart, healthy food choices)  Increased participation

VicHealth’s work in the S&R Sector  PICSAR – Participation in community sport and Active Recreation scheme  10 Regional RSA’s  Increased participation of youth, Koori, older adult, women and CLD groups in sport and active recreation  Facilitate cross sectoral partnerships

VicHealth’s work in the S&R Sector  PICSAR – Participation in community sport and Active Recreation scheme  Active Participation grants scheme  Local grants - up to $3,000  Partnership Grants – up to $30,000

VicHealth’s work in the S&R Sector  Health Enhancing Clubs and Venues  Outdoor Shade grants  Sports Injury Prevention  Rural Racing

VicHealth’s work in the S&R Sector  Innovations for Health  Building the evidence base  2-3 yr programs, strong focus on evaluations and learning's for the sector  Good Sports (Aust Drug Foundation)  Out of School Hours project (with the Aust Sports Commission)

Contact  Caroline Sheehan  Senior Project Officer  Health through Sport and Active Recreation Program  Tel:  