City of Melbourne
Sport4All and the Melbourne University All Abilities Sports Program
Opportunity: Engaging Participants in an All Abilities Sports Program
When the Melbourne University Touch Football (MUTF) club set out to host a six week All Abilities Sports Program, they faced a significant challenge. Despite recruiting experienced coaches and investing in specialised equipment, they struggled to attract participants. Their vision was clear – to create an opportunity where people of all abilities could enjoy Touch Football in a safe and welcoming environment.
Recognising the need for support, the club partnered with Sport4All, the City of Melbourne Council, and the Active Melbourne team to bring their vision to life. Together, they worked to overcome barriers to participation and ensure the success of the All Abilities Sports Program.
Solution: Building an Inclusive All Abilities Sports Program
Sport4All worked closely with the MUTF club to deliver a comprehensive inclusion strategy. Led by an experienced Inclusion Coach, the process included the following steps:
Listening and Educating: The Inclusion Coach collaborated with the MUTF committee to understand their goals for the All Abilities Sports Program and educated them on creating inclusive environments.
Developing an Action Plan: A tailored Action Plan was created, outlining strategies to ensure inclusivity, safety, and engagement for all participants.
Community Engagement and Promotion: Sport4All partnered with the City of Melbourne Council’s marketing team to promote the All Abilities Sports Program, showcasing the club’s inclusive initiatives to attract participants.
Fostering Partnerships: Sport4All facilitated connections with key stakeholders, including a university, to provide additional resources and support for the program.
What was Delivered
The collaboration between Sport4All, the MUTF club, and its partners resulted in several key deliverables:
- A Comprehensive Action Plan: This roadmap guided the club in creating a safe and inclusive environment tailored to the needs of participants.
- Content Marketing Campaign: A promotional piece highlighting the MUTF club’s efforts to champion inclusivity in sport.
- Strategic Partnerships: Connections with the university and council teams to strengthen the sustainability of the All Abilities Sports Program.
Outcomes: Transforming Inclusion in Sport
The impact of Sport4All’s involvement in the All Abilities Sports Program was transformative. Key outcomes included:
- Increased Awareness and Understanding: The club gained a deeper understanding of how an inclusive environment can drive participation. They learned effective communication techniques and adopted symbols of inclusion to make participants feel welcome.
- Enhanced Inclusivity: The club embraced disability education and created a safe, supportive environment where people of all abilities could participate in Touch Football.
These changes enabled the MUTF club to achieve their goals of creating a truly inclusive sports program. For many participants, this was their first opportunity to enjoy Touch Football in an environment tailored to their needs.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining and Expanding the Program
The success of the All Abilities Sports Program has inspired the MUTF club to continue their commitment to inclusivity. Looking forward:
- Integration into Junior Programs: Participants from the All Abilities initiative are now being integrated into the club’s junior programs, promoting inclusivity at every level.
- Future Programs: Plans are already underway to host another All Abilities Sports Program next year, building on the success of this inaugural initiative.
Through the combined efforts of Sport4All, the City of Melbourne Council, the Active Melbourne team, and the Melbourne University Touch Football committee, the club successfully created a safe and inclusive All Abilities Sports Program. This case study showcases the powerful role collaboration and education play in achieving inclusion in sport.
The accompanying video, filmed during the Melbourne University All Abilities Sports Program, captures the joy and enthusiasm of participants, coaches, and the community. It highlights the program’s transformative impact and the power of sport to bring people of all abilities together.
This initiative not only fostered participation but also set a benchmark for other clubs to follow in creating inclusive, accessible sporting opportunities.
