Supercharging young people's participation in sport in Australia

The new Centre for Sport, Business and Society (CSBS) is a unique partnership between UTS Business School and Institute for Public Policy and Governance. Drawing on a wide variety of academic and practitioner strengths, the Centre’s goal is to provide unique support and insights to grow the sport sector.

Join us for a special panel session on: Supercharging young people's participation in sport in Australia.

The event draws on recent findings from a study commissioned by the International Olympic Committee conducted by CSBS experts which shows that 72% of young people think sports participation is important. Over 90% of parents said improving physical and mental health, having fun and improving self-confidence were reasons for their child to play sport.

Despite this, we continue to see low levels of youth participation in sport. How do we tackle the range of concerns and barriers that prevent young people from playing more sport and amplify the benefits of sports participation?

Join our expert panelists Megan Mitchell AM (Former National Children's Commissioner and current Sport Integrity Australia board member), Gilbert Lorquet (Chair Football NSW) and CSBS Directors Prof Carol Mills and Prof Nico Schulenkorf, in discussion and hear about some of the Centre’s other upcoming activities.

Event Schedule

4.30 pm Arrival
4.45 pm Interactive panel discussion
5.30 pm Networking and drinks

There is limited capacity so book early to avoid disappointment.

Meet our panelists

Megan Mitchell AM

Megan Mitchell AM has had a distinguished career focused on supporting the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of children and young people, including through sport. 

She was Australia’s inaugural Human Right Commissioner for Children where she was instrumental in developing the national principles for child safe organisations. Megan is currently a member of Sport Integrity Australia’s Advisory Council and was formerly a long-term Board Member of Play by the Rules, a national organisation committed to promoting safe, fair and inclusive sport. 

Prior to her role at the Australian Human Rights Commission Megan was the Commissioner for Children and Young People in NSW and Executive Director, Office of Children, Youth and Family support in the ACT. She was also the CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service and continues to be involved a number of children and youth focused organisations. 

Megan brings extensive insights into the needs and aspirations of young people and the opportunities and barriers impacting their sports participation.

Gilbert Lorquet

Gilbert Lorquet is Chair of Football NSW, the governing body of football in NSW, and the largest state sporting organisation in Australia, with over 326,000 registered participants. 

He has over 25 years’ experience in marketing, communications, law, mediation, fundraising and philanthropy.

Gilbert is currently Chief Executive of the NORTH Foundation, the official fundraising partner of the Northern Sydney Local Health District and has an MBA (Social Impact) from the AGSM. Gilbert has recently commenced a PhD at UTS on the topic of ‘Measuring the Social and Economic Impact of Grassroots Football in Australia’.