Australian schools have shown record interest in basketball in 2022 with more than 124,000 students participating in the sport. Basketball was the number one chosen sport in the Sporting Schools program with more than 6,459 schools participating nationally.
This is the first time that basketball has finished the year in first place. The interest in basketball is at an all-time high after the success of the Seven Consulting Opals FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign in Sydney and the Tokyo 2020 bronze-medal-winning Australian Boomers – who will compete in the World Cup in August this year. Participation at the junior levels is on the rise with Aussie Hoops receiving a record number of enrolments in 2022 with 42,600 registrations, up 32 per cent on 2021.
To start the 2023 year off strong, enrolments for Term 1 are already tracking for a record year at 11,568. Basketball Australia CEO, Matt Scriven, believes the growth in basketball is just on the cusp.
“We are seeing strong numbers across the board in participation, attendance at events and on broadcast,” Scriven said.
“The number of families choosing basketball for their kids is on the rise due to a number of factors, including the increase of Australian players dominating on the world stage.
“The Sporting Schools program is incredibly important for all kids to have the opportunity to try different sports and keep active.
“This is the first time that basketball has been the most requested sport within the Sporting Schools program, and we appreciate the support of the teachers who are assisting in delivering the programs,” Scriven added.
For more information on Sporting Schools visit: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/schools
