FOOTBALL is officially the largest club-participation sport in Australia according to independent data released by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

More than a million men, women, boys and girls are playing football, which is much more than any other club-based sport, the ASC’s AusPlay survey revealed.

“It’s official, we are number one,” said Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive David Gallop.

“Football is Australia’s most popular club-based participation sport for adults and children because it is the most inclusive and accessible. Everyone is welcome in football regardless of gender, age, ability or background.

Three players from the Kirrawee Kangaroos football team. Source: News Corp Australia

“Football is also the biggest global sport with the world’s highest profile players and competitions and the planet’s biggest event, the FIFA World Cup.

“The combination of local accessibility and global interest is attracting more and more Australians.”

Gallop said that more Australian juniors now have the opportunity to become professional with the growth of the A-League and W-League, and that could lend to more kids taking up football.

“There has been a lot said recently about the emergence of opportunities for women in sport and we applaud these developments. But this is nothing new for football,” he said.

Australia's Caitlin Foord (R), carrying the AFC Women's Footballer of the Year award. Source: AFP

“The Westfield W-League is currently in its 9th season and producing players like Caitlin Foord who is representing her country with distinction and last week was named Female Player of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation.

“Caitlin is a great role model and if you are looking to inspire your kids to get involved in sport then take them along to a W-League match or A-League match this weekend.

“Ultimately sport is about fun, fitness and friendships. It helps shape us as individuals and as a society.”

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