An independent evaluation conducted by researchers from The University of Western Australia (UWA) has confirmed that SportWest’s True Sport Program, proudly supported by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport is delivering significant, measurable improvements across the Western Australian sporting system.
The evaluation, completed in March 2026, examined program reach, delivery, outcomes, and long‑term sustainability. Lead researchers included Professor Michael Rosenberg, Professor Ben Jackson and Dr Aaron Simpson from UWA’s School of Human Sciences - experts in health promotion, mental health, behavioural psychology and complex program evaluation.
The report, which combined both quantitative and qualitative data and in-depth interviews with sporting organisations across Western Australia.
Strong State-wide Reach and Engagement
The evaluation found that engagement with True Sport has grown rapidly across the sector:
- 64 State Sporting Associations engaged in 2025, representing more than 1,000,000 participants, members and volunteers.
- 109 workshops and webinars delivered, a 172% increase from 2024.
- Participation was 58% metro and 42% regional, demonstrating strong reach into country communities.
- The True Sport Online Resource Hub recorded 15,222 interactions (Oct 2023–Feb 2026), across:
- Mental Health & Wellbeing: 6,315
- Child Safeguarding: 5,321
- Sideline Behaviour: 8,379
- True Sport eLearning courses were started 194 times, with 81 completions.
Clear Improvements in Confidence, Capability and Culture
Survey data and interviews demonstrated strong program outcomes across confidence, organisational capability, and sector culture.
Knowledge, Confidence & Attitudes
- 100% of Member Organisation respondents reported increased confidence to address mental health, safeguarding, and sideline behaviour.
- 97% agreed True Sport is valuable and beneficial to the WA sport sector.
- 100% of Advisory Group and SportWest staff agreed True Sport improves sport experiences across WA.
Organisational Capacity
- 50% of organisations have already updated policies as a direct result of True Sport, with a further 24% planning to.
- SSAs reported stronger governance, new working groups, refined internal processes, and increased staff capability.
- Workshops created “train‑the‑trainer” benefits, enabling SSAs to deliver internal education.
Connection & Collaboration
- 91% of Member Organisations say True Sport has strengthened sector connections and collaboration.
- A shared language, common resources, and cross‑sport initiatives have improved whole‑of‑sector cohesion.
Program Strengths: Practical, WA‑Specific and High‑Impact
The evaluation highlighted several core strengths:
High‑quality, WA‑specific resources
Resources were viewed as credible, practical and immediately usable—reducing duplication of work and improving alignment with state legislation, referral pathways and local systems.
Specialised support for complex issues
Critical incident guidance, EAP/VAP connections and mediation support played a vital role for several organisations. In some cases, staff and volunteers were retained because True Sport provided timely and expert assistance.
Positive cultural change
Interviewees described noticeable improvements in conversations, confidence and organisational culture around wellbeing, safeguarding and integrity.
Future Development: Club‑Level Capacity, Tailoring and Planning
While sector‑level uptake is strong, the evaluation identified future development that need continued focus:
- Volunteer‑run clubs often lack capacity, creating an implementation gap at the grassroots level.
- Some sports want co‑branded or sport‑specific versions of resources (e.g., referee/umpire terminology).
- The volume of resources can feel overwhelming for small clubs.
- SSAs want earlier visibility of campaigns and workshops to support operational planning.
Recommendations for Future Development
UWA’s evaluation outlines several opportunities to strengthen and sustain the program:
- Boost club‑level implementation support
- Clear sequencing (“start here”), short modules, and facilitated working sessions where clubs develop action plans and draft policies.
- Explore semi‑automated and customisable tools
- Co‑branding, templates and AI‑enabled resource adaptation.
- Expand into emerging priority areas
- Adolescent behaviour, gambling harm, cultural safety, and regional‑specific guidance.
- Establish a consistent annual measurement framework
- Regular pulse surveys and long‑term impact tracking, including potential return‑on‑investment modelling.
- Share success stories across the sector
- Use evidence‑backed outcomes to build advocacy, awareness and future investment.
Conclusion: A High‑Performing, Sector‑Leading Program
The independent evaluation concludes that True Sport is a highly effective, sector‑leading program that is driving significant improvements in knowledge, confidence, organisational capability and connectedness across WA sport.
With focused investment in club‑level support, expansion into new issue areas, and continued strong partnerships, True Sport is well‑positioned to deepen its impact and strengthen the long‑term sustainability of community sport across Western Australia.
The evaluation concludes that True Sport is a highly effective, sector-leading initiative driving significant improvements in knowledge, confidence, organisational capability and connectedness across WA sport. With strategic investment in club‑level support and expansion into new areas, True Sport is well‑positioned to strengthen the long‑term sustainability of community sport across the state.
"The independent evaluation confirms what we see every day across Western Australian sport — True Sport is delivering meaningful, measurable change for our community. To reach more than a million participants and support 64 sports with nationally leading resources is an extraordinary achievement, and one that reflects the strength of collaboration across our sector.
We are proud that True Sport is helping build safer, more connected and more capable sporting environments, from metropolitan clubs to the most remote communities. This evidence provides a strong foundation for the program’s next phase, as we continue to support volunteers, strengthen club‑level delivery, and expand into emerging areas of need.
SportWest extends its sincere thanks to the WA State Government and CITS for their leadership and investment in this work. Together, we are shaping the future of sport in Western Australia.” - Troy Kirkham, CEO, SportWest
To access the full evaluation report click here.
