The release of the 2013/14 National Cricket Census, shows 1.106 million Australians participated in cricket during 2013/14, cementing cricket as the number one participation sport in Australia as measured by independent research firm, Street Ryan.
The 2013/14 Census, which coincides with Australian cricket’s annual participation campaign, PlayCricket Week, revealed that Australians have flocked to play cricket at local grounds, schools and indoor centres across the nation with figures up 16 per cent on last year and an incredible 30 per cent over the past four years.
The huge growth in national participation since 2010/11, which equates to around 255,000 additional cricketers in Australia, is largely attributed to a strong focus on making cricket more accessible for players of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds across the country.
These figures are consistent with the strong growth seen in South Australia, where participation has increased by 33% over the last four years, with 95,541 players across the state in 2013/14, with growth particularly strong in school development programs.
Key South Australia census figures for 2013/14:
Total participation: 95,541
12% growth overall on 2012/13 numbers
Club and community cricket: 43 cricket associations, 386 cricket clubs and 32,111 participants in club and community cricket in South Australia, including:
- 3,841 entry level
- 25,980 traditional club cricket
- 2,290 modified club Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the figures reflected Australian cricket’s strategic priority to substantially increase participation and inspire the next generations of players and fans.
“Our vision is for cricket to be Australia’s favourite sport and a sport for all Australians. To do that, our job is to encourage more people to play the game,” Mr Sutherland said.
“To register a 30 per cent increase in participation over four years demonstrates the game’s growing appeal and the critical role it plays in helping men, women and children lead active and healthy lives.
“We are particularly pleased to see such a dramatic increase in female participation, with girls and women now making up 22 per cent of all cricket participants around the country.
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