Sport in Schools: A Catalyst for Student Health, Resilience, and Academic Success

A growing body of research and a wave of innovative educational programs across Australia are highlighting the transformative role that sport plays in the development of children. From improving mental and physical health to driving academic performance and resilience, school sport is being recognised as a cornerstone of holistic education.

A major longitudinal study from the University of Sydney, which followed more than 4,000 children from ages four to thirteen, revealed that students who consistently participated in sport recorded lower absenteeism, improved memory and concentration, and stronger academic performance. These students were also significantly more likely to go on to tertiary education. Supporting these findings, the University of Queensland’s research demonstrated that early involvement in sport correlates strongly with improved long-term mental health outcomes in adolescents. Adding to this growing body of evidence, the Journal of Adolescent Health recently confirmed that participation in youth sport is associated with both enhanced physical health and improved psychological wellbeing.

Across Australia, schools are translating these findings into action through inclusive and forward-thinking programs. Since its inception, the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools initiative has delivered more than 10 million sporting experiences across over 8,000 schools, making structured sport more accessible to students of all backgrounds. At Gilgandra High School in New South Wales, an initiative aimed at supporting female students during puberty through the provision of professionally fitted sports bras led to a 20% rise in participation. This simple yet impactful intervention demonstrated the importance of addressing real-world barriers to inclusion. Meanwhile, the national enthusiasm following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – often dubbed the “Matildas effect” – has sparked a dramatic rise in female enrolment at Sydney’s specialist sports schools, with some reporting a 50% increase in participation among girls.

In response to this momentum, the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) is again hosting a dedicated conference stream – Sport in Schools & Education – to delve deeper into how sport can be more effectively integrated within the education sector. The stream aims to explore policy, funding, innovation, and practical implementation to ensure sport delivers real impact for students and educators alike.

Martin Sheppard, CEO of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention, emphasised the significance of this focus, stating, “We know that school sport is more than just play – it is one of the most powerful interventions to support mental health, reduce inequity, and prepare our young people to thrive. This year’s NSC stream goes beyond theory and brings together real examples, leaders, and strategies that are already making a difference in schools across Australia and New Zealand.”

The Sport in Schools and Education stream will open with Impact Keynote: Alternative Funding Strategies for Sport, chaired by Tracey Holmes. This session will explore new financial models to support school sport, including the strategic value of event-based partnerships presented by Glenn Hardy of IER Consulting and philanthropic opportunities discussed by Sue Hunt, CEO of the Australian Sports Foundation. The session concludes with a high-level panel featuring leaders from Deloitte, Wyndham City, and the Richmond Football Club Foundation, examining how alternative funding models are shaping the future of sport in education.

Following this, Workshop 7.1 will look at creating healthier school and university environments, co-chaired by Jamie Parsons, CEO of School Sport Victoria. Speakers including Martin Doulton of FISU and Glenn McGovern of Sport New Zealand will share insights into how campuses and school-community partnerships are promoting active design and inclusive movement strategies that support student wellbeing.

In Case Study Workshop 7.2, educators and school leaders will explore how to create meaningful connections between schools, sports providers, and community organisations to drive positive health and educational outcomes. This session features practical insights from Andrew Farmer of St Andrews Christian College and Gina Oliver of Iona College Geelong, both of whom have successfully led programs that use sport to change lives.

The dynamic PitchFEST session will give innovators the stage to present new ideas to a panel of students, highlighting solutions that encourage participation both within and outside the curriculum. Presenters include Simon Lloyd of Phillips Coaching, Jenelle Williamson from AFL, Tom Clark from Pitch UP, and Nikki Little from Overnewton College, each showcasing creative tools for growing school sport engagement.

Rounding out the stream is Challenge & Solutions session, a collaborative session focused on embedding sport as a tool to improve educational outcomes, particularly for vulnerable students. Julie McNeal from Aspire Community will explore how sport empowers Indigenous youth, while Andrew Comley of School Sport Victoria and Jodie Spedding of Active Education Australia will share how sport supports student leadership, engagement, and lifelong learning.

As Australia continues to embrace the potential of sport in education, initiatives like NSC’s Sport in Schools and Education stream ensure that knowledge-sharing and collaboration remain central to this progress. With a focus on inclusion, innovation, and practical action, the convention underscores the critical role sport plays in preparing the next generation for success — inside and outside the classroom.

For more information on the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention and the full program for the Sport in Schools & Education stream, please visit www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au.