Every country has a list of sports that are ingrained in its culture. Take football in the UK, for example – for decades, citizens have followed the EPL, Champions League, and other pyramid levels, eager to see who comes out on top. Head down to South Africa, and their love for rugby is evident – they cheer on their teams with vigour each season. So, what does Australia have, and what makes sports choices unique?
Getting Down to The Heart Of The Matter
Sports are always more than surface-level. Instead, they usually boil down to what matters most to the people. And in Australia, it’s clear that the sports culture has its roots in people’s culture and history. How so?
They Tie Individuals to Their National Identity
The need to belong is inherent in human nature. People always want to know where they come from, as this gives them a sense of identity and direction. Such is the case with the sports industry. Whenever Australians gather to celebrate these events, they come together as one with a common goal – this inspires unity and helps people foster their feelings of belonging. It’s easy to note the open and cheery love that people express during such events – no wonder people keep coming back for more!
They Foster Communities
Sporting events are a culmination of a hoard of other events. After all, teams must go through tryouts, playoffs, and other important stages before they can finally show what they’ve got at the finale. As all this goes down, fans get to interact based on their shared interests. They find other things they have in common, join similar clubs, and forge lasting friendships that eventually pave the way for better communities.
They Highlight the Country’s History
Have you ever wondered how some sports made it to Australia? Sports fans get to take a walk down memory lane each time they look into their favourite sports and teams. It’s easy to see how British colonial history left its mark on the field, with games like cricket and rugby taking hold in the country. It’s a great way to appreciate the country’s beginnings and remark on future possibilities.
They Nurture Better Health
Sports are not just for professionals who are out to excel in their careers. Instead, they are great ways to stay active, not just physically but also mentally. That’s why they have become so commonplace in schools and social settings. When people are on the field chasing balls or supporting their teams, they release endorphins that help them feel better about themselves. And it’s no secret that those extra minutes of activity go a long way in preserving physical health!
They Put Australia on the Global Map
People can all agree that Australian sports are highly competitive. Sportspeople do their best to carry the Australian flag high, and Australians do what they can to ensure that they succeed. The national pride that results from international wins is proof enough that worldwide success is important to all.
Sports thus fulfill the needs in various aspects (mind, body, and soul) and nurturing them is thus integral to the development in all these areas.
Ranking Sports by Popularity
People enjoy sports for different reasons, based on the factors highlighted earlier (history, identity, community, etc.). As such, sports are not equal and instead attract different crowds. Below are the top options:
- Australian Rules Football (AFL) – The name alone is enough to show you just how entrenched this game is in history. It attracts millions of fans every year, especially during the Grand Final, which many people watch live, either at the stadium or at home on their TVs.
- Cricket – Nothing says national spirit like this game, which often pits the country against formidable opponents like England. Whenever the country is about to enter a tournament, fans show up in huge numbers, urging the players to hold the flag high and make them proud.
- Rugby – Strength and speed are always on full display when the national rugby league is showcasing what it can do, not just domestically but also beyond the borders. The numbers don’t lie, especially in regions like Queensland, where fans come out in crowds.
- Football, aka soccer – While Australia is still catching up with the international scene, this sport has caught on fast in the past few years and will soon be among the top professional sports in the country. Younger generations have especially taken on to it.
- Tennis – How could this list be complete if it failed to mention a sport that has put the country on the international map? With the Australia Open being one of the Grand Slam tournaments, all eyes are usually on the tennis courts as Australians battle it out for the top titles with tennis pros from other countries.
Other popular sports include:
- Rugby Union.
- Swimming.
- Golf.
- Cycling.
- Netball.
The New Sporting World: What’s New
Are you eager to become part of the new wake in sports? Look no further than the following options:
- Esports – Online gaming tournaments have been picking up pace due to their high competitiveness and ease of access. And with AR and VR technologies getting better, keeping up with these tournaments will only get easier, making this an industry with a lot of potential.
- Mixed martial arts – Dynamism appeals to people as they never know what to expect. And after years of following highly structured sports, people are open to this world that combines versatility with intensity, enabling them to be on the edges of their seats all the while.
- Surfing – The Australian coastlines are not only picturesque, but they also serve as excellent surfing spots. Luckily for surfers, this skill can now be part of a lucrative career as surfing competitions have opened up a wide range of possibilities, not just locally but also internationally.
Conclusion
Sporting in Australia is not just about wins. Instead, this culture boils down to a sense of identity, national unity, historical moments and building communities. While sports like AFL, rugby, and tennis have previously held the top sports, emerging sports like surfing could soon change the tides – what an exciting time for the country! The dynamic movement of the players from one sport to another is always changing the sporting landscape and creating a buzz.