Swinburne to harness artificial intelligence to tackle discrimination in sport with adidas Foundation grant

Swinburne’s Sports Innovation Research Group is developing an advanced artificial intelligence system to help sporting clubs around Australia tackle discrimination and create more inclusive sporting environments.

Supported by €300,000 (AUD$520,000) from the newly established adidas Foundation’s ‘United by Sport’ program, Swinburne’s Dr Carleigh Yeomans and Dr Paul Bowell will pilot the use of an advanced AI tool to support clubs as they respond to incidences of homophobia, sexism and racism. 

“Melbourne is proud of its status as both an inclusive and sporting city. But our research shows that ongoing discrimination in community sports, particularly homophobia, sexism, and racism, hinders participation and undermines healthy, active, and inclusive communities,” says Dr Bowell.

“This project will make a real difference in people’s lives. Making community sports discrimination free ensures everyone feels welcomed, respected and safe.”  

The project has three stages. After working with clubs to create inclusive policies and strategies, an AI tool will be developed and piloted that can help clubs effectively implement them. The AI-driven tool aims to provide immediate, context-specific guidance to respond to discrimination.

This AI tool will then be rolled out alongside educational resources and workshops to help change discriminatory behaviour in a user-friendly and scalable way. 

Dr Yeomans was inspired by her team’s 2024 study which indicated over half of LGBTQIA+ young people in Australia witnessed discrimination in community-based sports. 

“Our team at Swinburne were shocked but not surprised at these harrowing results. We were inspired to change this, so anyone in the sporting environment, whether they be players, coaches, volunteers, or parents can use our tool to seek advice and clarity. 

“This AI tool will make sure policies, resources, and information are accessible and more effectively implemented.”

“We hope this project creates safer and more inclusive spaces so everyone can reap the benefits of sports.” 

The Sports Innovation Research Group will work closely with the Yarra Junior Football League to co-create and test the AI tool over the next three years.

Swinburne’s AI-driven inclusion initiative was one of only 17 selected for this prestigious global philanthropic grant from the adidas Foundation, which received immense interest from over 400 organisations.