The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Sports Branch, in collaboration with the three Services, sets the strategic direction for sport in the ADF. This creates an environment for all ADF members to participate and benefit from sport as a competitor, coach or administrator, and recognises the inherent connections between sport, exercise, health and the overall wellbeing of ADF personnel.
Sport in Defence
Sport in Defence can take many forms. There are various pathways that include participation in civilian sport through to representing your Service and the ADF at national and international levels. Each service has a Sports Council to manage their respective sports programs.
At the ADF joint level, sport is managed by the ADF Sports Branch through 3 main programs:
Conventional Sports Program
The Conventional Sports Program is comprised of 30 ADF Sports Associations, with an estimated membership of 7,000 serving ADF personnel.
Each Association is managed by a committee similar to that of civilian sports associations. There are approximately 140 ADF Sports Association committee members.
The Associations build capacity, promote sport within the ADF and ensure that Sports Associations are appropriately meeting the needs of the ADF demographic now and into the future.
ADF Sports Associations conduct an Inter-Service carnival annually. Associations need to meet various criteria before being recognised as an ADF Sport.
Adaptive Sports Program
The adaptive sports program (ASP) supports the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of wounded, injured or ill ADF members and former serving members through participation in adaptive sports.
Purpose and impact
ASP raises the awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and their families, and highlights the life-changing benefits of sport.
Team Australia representatives are selected through ASP to participate in major international adaptive sports events such as the Invictus Games. Participants may also compete in other domestic and international events.
Eligibility and selection
Entry is open to wounded, injured or ill serving and former ADF members from all service categories. The selection process identifies individuals who would benefit most from the experience, considering:
- attitude and behaviour
- commitment
- willingness to engage in sport for recovery.
Selection is not based on performance or likelihood of winning.
Support and availability
International event organisers may provide support to family and friends of competitors. However, places are limited and not all eligible individuals will be able to attend major events.
The next application round is expected to open in early 2026.
International Sports Program
Sport is a key aspect of enhancing our relationships in the south-west Pacific and offers opportunities to reinforce our people-to-people connections. Through planning and coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Pacific Sports Program delivers quality sports engagements that increase the capacity and capability of our regional partners.
For further information on the DFAT program please visit- DFAT - PacificAus Sports.