Education plays a vital role in improving First Nations peoples employment opportunities, socio-economic status, and overall wellbeing. The National Aboriginal and Sporting Chance Academy shows that if First Nations students achieve similar academic levels as their non-Indigenous peers by age 15, they are equally as likely to complete Year 12 and participate in further education or vocational training, which highlights the importance of First Nations students engaging with their education and schooling. By completing a university degree, First Nations peoples will also have an increased amount of job opportunities, becoming equal to opportunities of non-Indigenous people. This means that all stages of education are important in closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous Australians.

 

Sport is often used as an engagement tool to motivate First Nations youth in education, serving as both an incentive for school attendance and a way to encourage positive role models. Research demonstrates that sport participation contributes to improved literacy, numeracy, physical and mental health, which support academic successes. 

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The 2017 After the Siren report on First Nations participation in Australian rules football found several positive outcomes in education linked to sport, including:

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- A reduction in learning difficulties due to health issues for children who played football.

- A 20% reduction in truancy rates for boys in remote areas who played Australian football.

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Additionally, research from the University of South Australia found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who participated in sports regularly showed better academic performance, particularly in numeracy. Playing sports stimulated cognitive functions such as memory and problem-solving, with theories suggesting that the physical activity activated the brain areas which are involved in learning. Sport also provided a sense of identity, belonging, and positive social interactions, which contributed to improved self-esteem and confidence in school.

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Encouraging participation in sports, particularly in rural and remote areas where opportunities are limited, can lead to better academic performance, physical health, and a stronger sense of community. This approach can play an essential role in closing the educational gap for Indigenous children.