AFL Legend Nick Riewoldt Criticizes ‘Participation Trophy’ Culture in Australian Youth Sports

AFL icon Nick Riewoldt has expressed his frustration with certain aspects of junior sports since his return to Australia from the United States.

The esteemed AFL Hall of Famer, who relocated to Texas in 2023 with his wife Cath and their three sons, shared that his children experienced a more fulfilling sporting life while they were in Houston.

While living in America, his sons James, Will, and Teddy enthusiastically took up baseball and American football, actively participating in local clubs and engaging in competitive play.

Upon their return to Melbourne in late 2024, Riewoldt resumed his role as an analyst with Channel 7, while his sons transitioned to playing junior football in the city.

“They definitely miss the American sports,” Riewoldt remarked.

Nick Riewoldt says American junior leagues celebrate victories with ring ceremonies and competitive traditions kids genuinely love

Now back in Melbourne, Riewoldt says his children miss the intensity and structure of US youth sport

‘They loved playing American football, they loved playing baseball.

‘And kids’ sport over there – I’m happy to say it – I felt like it was a better experience. It felt like real sport.

‘The over-emphasis here on participation, and everyone gets a trophy… over there, they keep score, they have ring ceremonies, and the kids love that stuff.

‘We had some of the most incredible sporting experiences over there where all the parents were all in.

‘I don’t know, I just felt like coming back here, playing under-10s footy and we don’t keep score, I don’t know. At least my kids, they don’t resonate with that as much as they did with the sports in the US.’ 

Riewoldt, a five-time All-Australian who holds the all-time record for most marks in VFL/AFL history, said kids were keeping score anyway and that Australian junior sporting leagues should show them more respect. 

‘I think kids that age should be treated with a bit more maturity,’ he added.

‘We don’t want to lose the element of fun and make them get too serious too quickly, but at the same time, kids know the score, kids keep score.

The former St Kilda Football Club captain insists children deserve to be treated with greater sporting maturity

Riewoldt praised St Kilda’s aggressive pre-season recruiting, backing bold moves to shift the club’s fortunes

‘They know exactly at the end of the game whether they’ve won or lost, so why do we pretend like that’s not a thing?’

Meanwhile Riewoldt, who played 336 games and booted 718 goals for St Kilda, has praised his old club for its aggressive approach to the AFL pre-season.

‘I loved it, I loved the off-season,’ Riewoldt said.

‘When you only have so many levers at your disposal to pull to try and change your fortunes, why not be aggressive?

‘I think the players that they’ve invested in – probably with the exception of Silvagni and Ryan, who have been around for a long time – Flanders, De Koning, Nas, they’ve all got their best footy in front of them.

‘I like the approach, I like the aggressive nature of it.’

And Riewoldt said he was loving being part of the AFL commentary team again after his stint in the US. 

‘I just love being a part of Thursday night footy, the big games, big crowds,’ the former Saints captain said.

‘Despite being out of the game for close to a decade, it’s still a rush to be out there, feel the energy when teams run through the banner and you’re standing there with a microphone in your hand. I do really look forward to that.’