Sport is a pathway for cultures to develop their sense of belonging and connectedness to the sport. Australia is a nation of many diverse cultures that utilise sport as a way of showcasing their sense of pride.

For example, soccer (football) was referred to as “wog ball” for a long period in Australia and many of the original clubs in the NSL were founded by specific cultures, such as the Italian Marconi team, or the Croatian Sydney United.

Other examples include surfing being seen as a sport for blonde haired, tanned people who live on the beach. Teams such as the Bulldogs have a large Lebanese following and have at times had a largely Lebanese team. The Rabbitohs are another example of an NRL team this time with a strong indigenous connection.

Sometimes the links to cultural identity are on the international stage. Australians have a strong swimming culture and we have a high expectation at the international level for our swimmers to do well. We also expect our cricket and rugby teams to be successful with specific rivalries growing out of the sports, such as the Bledisloe Cup, or the Ashes.