Search results for #soccer
Should Your Child Try Team Sport? What 189 Studies Say About Mental Health
When a child wants to quit a sport, parents often face the same question: try another solo activity, or switch to a team? A major 2026 Australian-led review of 189 studies offers one of the clearest answers yet. The evidence found organised sport supports children’s mental health overall, but team...
The awkward, necessary hurdle of making new friends at 60
Making new friends in your sixties isn't as simple as the brochures make it look. New Monash University research shows kinless older Australians face the highest loneliness rates, and the friction of joining a new group keeps a lot of people on the couch. Pickleball courts, walking netball matches and...
The Matildas Effect — Women’s Football Is Booming
Women’s and girls’ football participation has surged to over 231,000 players across Australia, and the momentum shows no sign of fading. Fuelled by the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and sustained by new beginner-friendly formats, community clubs are scrambling to keep up with demand. This article unpacks what the Matildas...
Get Active for Less: The Changes Proposed to Make Fitness More Affordable in Australia
With the cost of living biting hard, getting active can feel like the last thing you can afford. But a bold new proposal from Australia's peak fitness body could be about to change that — with $500 family vouchers for gyms and studios, tax-free gym perks through your employer, and...
Keeping Teen Girls in the Game: Is Australia Facing a ‘Grand Décrochage’?
A major study from France has highlighted a concerning phenomenon known as the "grand décrochage"—the great drop-out of teenage girls from organised sport. As the pressure of exams, social media, and body image mounts, many girls are hanging up their boots before they even reach adulthood. But is this just...
From Team Sports to Pickleball: How Our Relationship with Sport Changes Over a Lifetime
Sport in Australia is constantly evolving, and the way we stay active looks different at every stage of life. From childhood swimming lessons to the rise of casual fitness and social sports, new data from the latest AusPlay “Lifelong Involvement in Sport” report highlights how our habits, motivations and barriers...
Free On-Demand Sports Gear Lockers Trial starts in Queensland
The cost of equipment is no longer an excuse! Decathlon and SportsBox have launched solar-powered smart lockers across Queensland, offering free, on-demand gear like basketballs and soccer balls. Discover how this innovative scheme is removing barriers to activity and where you can find the first SportsBox locations.
Beyond the Scoreboard: How Community Sport Makes Your Brain Stronger
Think joining a local social sport is just good for your physical health? Think again. The very aerobic, community-based activities that build friendships are also giving your brain a serious workout, helping you learn and remember more effectively. We look at why group fitness is the ultimate brain tonic.
The Growing Need to Get Moving: What the New Dementia Figures Mean for Australia
A new report from the AIHW reveals that over 425,000 Australians are living with dementia, a number set to soar. We look at what the figures mean for our health and how embracing an active life can be our most powerful defence.
Physical Literacy: The Simple Skill Your Kids Need to be Active for Life
Two in three Australian children aren't meeting physical activity guidelines. But a simple, foundational skill called 'Physical Literacy' is the key to changing that. We explore what it is and how parents can use fun, variety, and local community groups to set their kids up for a healthy, active future.