The community sport landscape in Western Australia is supported by the passionate committees and volunteers of 5,500 sporting clubs, as well as the State Sport Associations that provide assistance to ensure sports are available to all West Australians. The social and economic value of community sport to society is quantified at $10.3 billion per annum, with 41.9 million volunteer hours necessary to make it happen. Volunteers are a vital component in delivering sports, with one volunteer needed for every three participants.

After 12-months of extensive review, the McGowan Government has committed to funding the initial phase of planning and development for a reinvigorated True Sport initiative. True Sport is designed by the industry for the industry, encompassing all aspects of sport delivery in Western Australia, from State Sporting Associations to administrators, clubs, officials, volunteers, coaches, parents, players, participants, and competitors.

True Sport will empower WA sporting associations and clubs to support their members at a whole new level, encouraging behavior change, increasing participation, building life skills, and positively contributing to local communities. Unlike any other initiative in the country, True Sport encourages a consistent experience across all codes and seasons. The initiative will provide practical information and tools to support the community sport system in delivering an enriched sporting experience.

True Sport aims to streamline processes and provide accessible tools and resources to the industry without placing additional demands on the sector. When finalized, True Sport will deliver strong public messaging and advocacy, coupled with accessible tools and resources for the industry to continue to grow grassroots sport, based on a strong culture built on values.

SportWest has worked closely with the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, advisory groups, and all levels of community sport over the past 12 months to develop a plan for the future generation of community sport in Western Australia. Today’s announcement allows SportWest to begin the development of the first phase of the True Sport initiative. SportWest will now begin an intensive development phase, and interested parties can sign up for information about True Sport through the website.

Overall, the True Sport initiative represents an exciting development for the wider sporting community in Western Australia. Its potential to promote behavior change, increase participation, build life skills, and contribute to local communities will have a positive impact on both the sports experience and wider society.