Inclusion Coach
What is an Inclusion Coach?
When local councils, national or state sports organisations, or community organisations engage with the Sport4All program, we connect them with an Inclusion Coach. An Inclusion Coach is a person with disability or who has lived experiences of disability. These Coaches work together with the organisations to help deliver the program to schools and sports clubs, creating more inclusive environments for all.
What does a Sport4All Inclusion Coach do?
Sport4All Inclusion Coaches use informed practices and resources to share skills and knowledge about building a culture of inclusive sport. They will work with your organisation, school, or sports club to help you gain a better understanding of what diversity and inclusion looks like, so you can develop and apply best practices and procedures that encourage an inclusive environment.
The Inclusion Coach will:
- Be a local champion for inclusion, familiar with your community’s specific needs.
- Share their lived experience of disability to provide valuable insights and guidance.
- Utilise culturally informed practices and resources to support all communities.
- Connect you with the tools and training you need to build inclusion in your sports club and schools.
- Foster a passion for sports and inclusion within your organisation.
What are some of the benefits of having a Sport4All inclusion coach?
1. Community impact
They help build inclusive environments, reduce barriers, and increase participatory opportunities for people with disability in community sports.
2. Expert guidance
Inclusion Coaches bring personal experiences and professional expertise to support and educate clubs and schools on best practices for inclusion while connecting you with valuable resources and support from the wider Sport4All network.
3. Empower your staff
Gain the knowledge and confidence to effectively support people with a disability in all aspects of your sports programs.
4. Capacity building
Inclusion Coaches help build the confidence and skills of local sports clubs and schools to independently support inclusive practices.
5. Positive representation
Coaches serve as role models and ambassadors for inclusion, demonstrating the benefits of diverse and inclusive school and sports environments.
6. Boost participation
By fostering an inclusive environment, you’ll attract a wider range of participants, enriching your programs and community.
7. Sustainable change
By embedding Inclusion Coaches within local councils and organisations, we ensure long-term, sustainable change towards more inclusive sporting environments.
How inclusive coaching impacted the City of Greater Geelong.
In partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, Sport4All Inclusion Coaches have worked with over 200 clubs and schools in the area, delivering the program and helping to foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity in sport. The partnership has allowed more people to participate in sport and given the community a greater understanding of what inclusive sport looks and feels like.
“Trav (Sport4All Inclusion Coach) brings a forward-thinking, person-first approach to the team, through his own personal journey and industry experience, that ensures accessibility continues to be at the forefront of team planning and delivery. Trav’s ability to develop relationships internal and external has been a key contributor to the success of Sport4All across the City of Greater Geelong in reducing barriers for people with disability to access community services, particularly of a sporting nature. The City has enjoyed seeing the increased participatory opportunities, through education and support frameworks for sporting clubs provided by the Sport4All program.”
– Tim Downes, Team Leader Community & Recreation, City of Greater Geelong
See the Sport4All program in action!
Year 10 students at Iona College learn how to become ambassadors for inclusive sport across Greater Geelong.
Sport4All worked with Wyndham City Council to host an Inclusive Multi-Sport Fun Afternoon.
