2 December 2025
More South Australians than ever before are lacing up the boots and kicking a Sherrin, with footy participation in South Australia reaching a record-breaking 70,500 participants in 2025.
Breaking the all-time record of 66,700 registered participants set last year, participation for community football (junior, youth and senior), NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and SANFL Schools Competitions has grown by a further six per cent year-on-year off the back of the third year of AFL Gather Round.
More than 2,400 primary school children participated in SANFL Schools competitions in the metropolitan area this year, an increase of 190 per cent on 2024.
The growth follows the introduction of SANFL’s successful Gather Round School Competition, launched in March as a lead-in to AFL Gather Round. The modified nine-a-side competition was played over four weeks, culminating in more than 400 boys and girls playing their final round of matches as curtain raisers to the AFL games at Adelaide Oval and Norwood Oval.
The popularity of AFL Auskick continues to grow year-on-year in SA, with over 13,000 boys and girls from five years of age registering to participate.
Touted as the ‘older sibling’ of NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick (seven to 12-year-olds) grew by 145 per cent in South Australia with over 1,900 participants in 2025.
With all-girls Superkick programs available, girls’ participation has risen by over 270 per cent in SA with over 700 girls registering, reflecting the strength of the entry-level program.
SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said the record participation achievement was a reflection of the strength of the game in South Australia and increased investment in Game Development.
“We set an ambitious target of reaching over 70,000 registered participants in South Australia and we are absolutely thrilled to have reached this all-time number,” Duldig said.
“Grassroots community football is the heartbeat of our great national game, and Gather Round provides SANFL with an incredible opportunity to fulfill our vision of making footy the game loved by all South Australians.
“SANFL’s entire team works behind the scenes to deliver a wide range of exciting events to provide opportunities for the entire footy community during Gather Round.
“Importantly we have also been able to expand programs across the year, including SANFL Schools Competitions, to connect more young South Australians to footy.
“Community footy continues to be the lifeblood of the game in South Australia with over 52,000 footballers playing each weekend at footy clubs right across the State.
“We are committed to working closely with the AFL to do everything possible to continue to build on this success and grow the game even more in the future, ensuring that our game is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Registrations for 2026 Term 1 NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick clinics are now open, with every registration including a welcome gift pack.
To find out how to play and connect with Australian football, visit: play.afl