National Sports Convention and Australian Sports Commission Unite to Advance Sport Participation with Play Well Strategy

Melbourne, Australia – In a landmark collaboration coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the National Sports Convention (NSC), the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has, for the first time, partnered with the event to develop the Participation Stream of the conference. Under the banner of “Play Well – Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy,” this dedicated stream will showcase the sector’s united commitment to ensuring that everyone has a place in sport.

As Australia’s national sport participation strategy, Play Well has been developed to create great sporting environments and experiences, where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities can come together to access the benefits of sport. The partnership between NSC and ASC underscores a shared commitment to building a more active nation by aligning key stakeholders and delivering industry-leading insights on how to implement the Play Well vision effectively.

Martin Sheppard, CEO of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, expressed the significance of this collaboration: “For the past decade, NSC has been at the forefront of driving innovation and thought leadership in sport and physical activity. Partnering with the Australian Sports Commission for the Play Well stream is an exciting milestone, ensuring that participation remains at the heart of our industry’s future. Together, we are creating a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful change.”

The Play Well stream at NSC 2025 will provide a series of impactful sessions featuring key thought leaders and industry experts. The Impact Keynote Session, chaired by renowned sports journalist Tracey Holmes, will explore the Implementation Plan for Play Well, reflecting on its progress through Year 1 and outlining strategic priorities for the year ahead. Cameron French, General Manager for Participation at the ASC, will present an in-depth evaluation of Play Well’s first year. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Stuart Hodge, CEO of Sport NSW and Molina Asthana, Chair of Gymnastics Victoria and Play Well Leadership Group Member.

A crucial component of the Play Well stream is the “Year 2 Play Well Implementation Activities Workshop”, which delves into the implementation activities planned for Year 2. Jamie Bradnam, Director of Sporting Schools at the ASC, will discuss the wholistic approach to sport participation through Physical Literacy, while Sue McGill, Director of Participation Growth at the ASC, will explore how unlocking alternative active spaces can expand participation opportunities.

The Case Study Workshop: What is the Value of Sport will assess sports impact on individuals and communities. Lindsey Reece, Director of Sports Programs at the ASC, will chair this session, guiding discussions from leading experts including Professor Larissa Davies of Manchester Metropolitan University, who will present research on the affordability of sport, and Rochelle Eime, Director of Physical Activity and Sport Insights and Deputy Chair of Vicsport, who will provide insights into measuring the broader social and economic value of sport.

Innovation and collaboration take centre stage in the Play Well PitchFEST Workshop, designed to explore how to build positive environments in sport. Chaired by Matt Rippon, Senior Advisor for Participation Growth at the ASC, this session will feature pioneering solutions presented by Professor John Cairney from the University of Queensland, Alexis Cooper from Sport Integrity Australia and Adam Cassidy and Steve Marquis from the ASC.

The Play Well stream will conclude with the Challenge and Solutions Session, focusing on sector-wide collaboration to advance the sports industry, strengthen workforce capabilities, and develop innovative operating models. Led by Heidi Auricht-Doyle, Play Well Implementation Lead at the ASC, the session will feature insights from Adam Bishop, General Manager of Growth and Development at Australian Athletics, Shaun McEachin, National Lead for Sport Development at Squash Australia, and Female Engagement Manager at Golf Australia Megan Carr.

Mr French reinforced the importance of this initiative: “The Play Well Strategy is about making sport more inclusive and accessible for every Australian. Our partnership with NSC 2025 allows us to bring key stakeholders together to drive real change and implement solutions that will ensure sport remains an essential part of our communities. We are excited to share our progress and shape the future of sport participation.”

The partnership between NSC and the ASC marks a significant milestone in advancing participation strategies across Australia. By embedding Play Well into the Participation Stream, NSC 2025 will serve as a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and action to drive long-term growth in sport participation.

Join us at NSC 2025 as we celebrate a decade of innovation and work towards a more inclusive and active future for Australian sport.

For more information and ticket details, visit National Sports Convention.