sport
How to Get Involved in Gold Coast Sport and What You Need to Know to Start
Winter registrations opened this month for dozens of local clubs, with sessions available from Surfers Paradise to Robina.
How we reported this
Gold Coast City Council recorded 47,800 active participants in organised sport during the 2025 calendar year, a figure that has prompted clubs to open winter intake across multiple codes starting this July.
The increase follows expanded facility hours at several sites and comes as families seek affordable weekend activities amid rising living costs in the region. Council data shows the largest growth in team sports such as rugby league, netball and touch football, with new players now able to trial without long-term commitment at venues that run structured beginner pathways.
Two established entry points sit within easy reach of most suburbs. The Carrara Indoor Sports Centre on Nerang-Broadbeach Road hosts weekly come-and-try nights for basketball and futsal on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the Labrador Recreation Centre on Government Road runs netball and touch programs every Saturday morning for both juniors and adults. New members at either location receive a club-issued training shirt and access to a six-week introductory block before full-season fees apply.
Costs and basic requirements
Registration fees for the current winter season range from $85 for under-12s to $150 for seniors, with an additional $25 levy covering insurance through the relevant state sporting body. Players must supply their own footwear and mouthguards for contact codes, though clubs at both Carrara and Labrador loan balls and bibs for the first month. Proof of age and a completed medical form are required at sign-up, and sessions begin as early as 18 July at the Labrador site.
Next steps for new players
Prospective participants should first check the Gold Coast City Council sport and recreation page for the nearest club to their postcode, then attend one scheduled trial session before committing. Those who prefer beach-based options can contact the Southport Surf Lifesaving Club on the Esplanade, which offers nippers and adult surf sports starting the same weekend. Early registration secures a guaranteed spot on team lists before numbers close at the end of the month.