Embedding inclusion into community sport

Inclusion at Brunswick Cricket Club

Community sport plays a powerful role in shaping who feels welcome, included, and valued. At Brunswick Cricket Club, inclusion is not treated as a one-off initiative or awareness moment, but as an ongoing commitment embedded into how the club operates.

As part of this commitment, Brunswick Cricket Club has developed a Sport4All Inclusion Action Plan (download the template here), outlining practical steps to support greater participation across playing, coaching, volunteering, and club life for people with disability.

Inclusion in action on the field

This commitment was brought to life through an all-abilities cricket exhibition match between Brunswick Cricket Club’s All-Abilities team and Holy Trinity Cricket Club’s All-Abilities team, both part of the Melbourne All-Abilities Cricket Association (MAACA).

Held in line with International Day of People with Disability, the match formed part of a broader community event supported by Merri-bek City Council and Cricket Victoria. The morning also included a Cricket Blast session for children aged 5 to 12, creating an inclusive pathway from junior participation through to all-abilities competition.

The exhibition match itself created a competitive, welcoming environment where players could focus on teamwork, skill, and connection. It demonstrated how inclusive sport can look and feel when clubs intentionally create space for participation, rather than expecting participants to adapt to existing structures.

Following the match, players, families, and volunteers came together for a shared barbecue, reinforcing the social connection that sits at the heart of community sport. The fully accessible venue, alongside inclusive catering options, ensured more people could take part comfortably and confidently.

Three men stand side by side on a grass oval at a community cricket event - to the right of the image is Nathan Walsh in Sport4All top, smiling toward the camera, with other participants and spectators in the background.

A large group of cricket players and volunteers pose together on a grass oval in front of grandstand seating, some seated and some standing.

A participant using a powered wheelchair catches a cricket ball thrown by another participant on a grass oval, with coaches and players nearby.

Players take part in a modified cricket activity on a grass oval, with one person preparing to bat while others stand ready in the field.

A cricket player stands at the crease holding a bat, wearing leg pads and a helmet, with stadium seating visible behind them.

Two people walk side by side across a cricket oval, one holding a bat and the other holding a ball, with an arm around each other’s shoulders.

A young child runs across a grass oval holding a cricket bat, smiling, with training equipment and bags visible in the background.

A participant using a powered wheelchair and another participant lean forward as a cricket ball travels between them during a modified game.

People stand together on a grass oval handing out flyers and talking with attendees, with stadium seating and event tables behind them.

Beyond events: Embedding inclusion through planning

While events like this are important, Brunswick Cricket Club’s approach goes further. Through its Sport4All Inclusion Action Plan, the club has made a clear commitment to embedding inclusive practices across its programs and operations.

A Sport4All Inclusion Action Plan supports clubs to move from intention to action. It provides a structured way to identify priorities, set achievable actions, and build inclusive practices into everyday club life. Importantly, it encourages clubs to consider participation across all roles – not only as players, but also as coaches, officials, volunteers, and committee members.

This approach recognises that inclusion does not happen by chance. It is built through reflection, planning, and a willingness to adapt environments, communication, and activities so they work for more people.

What inclusion looks like on the ground

“Connah hadn’t played much sport before, but seeing the All-Abilities exhibition match gave him the confidence to give cricket a try. After the event, he trained with the Brunswick team the following week and really enjoyed it. He’s now preparing to play his first match with the club in January. The event made sport feel accessible and welcoming, and that made all the difference.”

Connah’s mum - Parent of a Brunswick Cricket Club player

“My favourite part of being at Brunswick Cricket Club is hanging out and being part of the team. I love being around all the people who support the team. Since joining, I’ve become more confident and more involved in the game instead of just being on the sidelines. I really look forward to Sunday cricket and I’m often the last one to leave after games and training.”

Tomislav - Brunswick Cricket Club player

Why club commitment matters

For people with disability, inclusive sport can offer significant physical, mental, and social benefits – from improved wellbeing and confidence to stronger community connection.

When clubs take steps to become more inclusive, the benefits extend beyond individual participants. Inclusive clubs help break down social barriers, strengthen community relationships, and create safer, more welcoming environments for everyone involved.

Brunswick Cricket Club’s commitment demonstrates how community sport can lead this change – by combining inclusive competition with clear planning and accountability.

Supporting clubs on the journey

Sport4All works alongside clubs to support this journey, offering practical tools such as the Inclusion Check-in Survey, accessible online learning, and guidance from Inclusion Coaches to help clubs develop and implement their Inclusion Action Plans.

By supporting clubs to take achievable, meaningful steps, Sport4All helps ensure inclusion becomes part of everyday sport – not an add-on or a one-off activity.