For many new migrant families, one of the biggest surprises about Australian life is just how important sport is, especially for children. Children’s sports in Australia are a major part of everyday life, from the schoolyard to weekend competitions, and play a huge role in Australian culture. Sport is fun, social, and healthy, but it can also come as a shock for parents who aren’t used to the commitment, cost, and expectations involved. Here’s what families moving to Australia should know.
Why Sport Is Such a Big Part of Australian Childhood
Australia is a country where sport is deeply woven into the national identity. Whether it’s swimming, netball, soccer, cricket, AFL, tennis, or gymnastics, kids are encouraged to get active from a young age. For many families, weekend sport isn’t just an activity, it’s a routine and a community.
There are several reasons for this strong sporting culture:
- Health and lifestyle – With Australia’s warm climate and outdoor lifestyle, physical activity is a natural part of daily life.
- Social connection – Sport helps children make friends, feel included, and build confidence.
- Community involvement – Sporting clubs create strong, supportive communities where families connect.
- School expectations – Many schools include sport as part of their curriculum, with weekly lessons and inter-school competitions.
For new migrant families, this emphasis on sport can feel unfamiliar, but it offers children an excellent way to integrate, settle, and thrive.
The Time Commitment: Weeknights & Weekends
One of the biggest surprises for new families is how much time children’s sport can take.
Most sports involve:
- One or two weeknight training sessions, usually 60–90 minutes
- Weekend games or competitions, often on Saturday mornings
- Season commitments, typically lasting 12–20 weeks depending on the sport
- Travel, especially for matches held at other clubs or neighbouring suburbs
Parents often organise carpooling or share transport to manage the time commitment. While it can feel overwhelming at first, many families find that sport quickly becomes part of their weekly rhythm.
The Cost: Registration, Uniforms & Equipment
Sport in Australia can be expensive, and many new families aren’t expecting the initial outlay. Depending on the sport, parents may need to pay for:
- Season registration fees
- Club membership
- Uniforms and footwear
- Equipment (balls, racquets, protective gear, etc.)
- Carnivals, tournaments, or travel fees
Costs can range from $200 to $1,000+ per year per child, depending on the activity. Sports like swimming, gymnastics, dance, and tennis can be pricier, while community sports like soccer, netball, or cricket tend to be more affordable.
Some states offer government vouchers to help with children’s sport fees, which can reduce costs for families.
School Sport: A Weekly Expectation
Most Australian schools include sport as a compulsory part of the weekly program. This may include:
- Physical education (PE) classes
- Swimming carnivals
- Cross-country events
- Athletics carnivals
- Inter-school competitions
Many parents are surprised by how involved school sport is, and how often children need sports uniforms or specific gear. Schools usually provide calendars and reminders, but it can still take some getting used to.
While the time, cost, and commitment may surprise migrant families at first, children’s sport in Australia offers huge benefits. It helps kids settle into their new environment, make friends, learn English faster, and feel part of the community. For parents, sporting clubs provide a warm and welcoming space to meet other families and form new connections.
If you’re preparing to move to Australia with children, factoring sport into your routine and budget will help make the transition smoother, and more enjoyable, for the whole family.
