Through Sport Australia's latest AusPlay report, it identified that volunteers are vital for organised competition with an increasing number of opportunities identified, particularly for those with a disability, retirees, low-income households and people who speak a language other than English.

It is said that almost three million Australians volunteer in sport, but the pair claim that additional support is needed to ensure organised competition can return in a strong position.

"Without volunteers, sport at the community level doesn’t exist," Sport Australia's acting chief executive Rob Dalton said.

"As a nation, we’re incredibly fortunate to have 2.9 million Australians put up their hand to volunteer and we owe these people a great amount of gratitude for their time and energy.

"But with 8.5 million adults and 3.4 million children participating in organised sport each year, it’s clear that more volunteers are needed to ensure that all Australians who would like to participate in organised sport can do so."

Dalton said the research found that most volunteers already have a strong connection to that sport, often as participants themselves or have children playing.

Sports with the most participants also have the most volunteers, led by football, netball, Australian football and basketball.

"The Australian Government, through Sport Australia, is committed to making Australia stronger through sport," said Richard Colbeck, Australian Minister for Sport.

"Being involved and enjoying sport isn’t limited to playing, as volunteers can enjoy the same benefits such as improving their fitness, physical health and mental wellbeing as participants and play an incredibly important role that keeps our clubs, games and canteens running."

Sport Australia has announced its commitment to activate the National Sport Volunteering Plan to help the country's sporting organisations.

"We want all Australians to have the opportunity to be involved in sport no matter their background, socio-economic status or physical abilities," added Dalton.

"We believe that sport is for all, and our National Sport Volunteering Plan is a priority as we continue to improve the volunteering experience, broaden its appeal and encourage more Australians to get involved."