56 AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE STATEMENTS Our Results Table 7: ASC performance against Play deliverables Deliverable Result Supporting statement AusPlay survey results show an increase in organised sport participation compared to the baseline established in 2015–161,2 Achieved The updated AusPlay data release showed an increase in sport participation with 11.3 million people participating once a year and 3.9 million people participating three times per week. 80 per cent of priority participation NSOs are growing their participation base1,2 Achieved 21 of 26 priority NSOs grew their participation base in 2016–17. A further nine NSOs were not considered in 2016–17 due to changes in their methodology for producing participation data. 860,000 children participating in the Sporting Schools program1,2 Achieved There were 1,384,920 participations in the Sporting Schools Program, far exceeding the program target. 5,760 schools funded for Sporting Schools1,2 Achieved The Sporting Schools program achieved the target by funding 5,807 schools across Australia. 1. Source: ASC Corporate Plan 2016–20, page 24 2. Source: Portfolio Budget Statements 2016–17, program objective B The ASC delivered a number of key initiatives under the Play pillar in 2016–17, led by another strong year for the Sporting Schools program where it exceeded the planned performance target, with funding provided to 5,807 schools, a 32.1 per cent increase on 2015–16 and more than 1.38 million program attendees, a 7.2 per cent increase on 2015–16. The program continues to grow rapidly, demonstrating a successful partnership between the ASC, schools and NSOs to deliver quality sporting programs, including access to coaches, resources and funding. Sporting Schools has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all user groups, including school principals, teachers and coaches. A total of 89 per cent or more in each user group strongly endorse Sporting Schools and have indicated high levels of ongoing commitment to the program. Following the success of the primary school program, Sporting Schools will roll out a targeted program for secondary school students in years seven and eight during term three 2017. In order to help sports develop their approach for secondary schools, the ASC undertook the Youth Participation Project with 80 secondary schools in 2016 to determine the most successful strategies for engaging the youth sector through sport.