Making sport more welcoming starts before the first session
Sport and physical activity can offer connection, enjoyment, routine and a sense of belonging. But access to sport and its benefits is not the same for everyone.
Sport and physical activity can offer connection, enjoyment, routine and a sense of belonging. But access to sport and its benefits is not the same for everyone.
The Australian Sports Commission estimates that 492,000 people with disability aged 18 and over participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week in 2024-25. Its data also shows that adults with disability participate in sport and physical activity less often than adults without disability.
Source: Australian Sports Commission, Sport and persons with disability
There is no single reason for that, and no single answer. Every person’s experience, interests and support needs are different.
For ADHD Awareness Month, we invited Sport4All and GSA team members, with lived experience of ADHD or a close connection to it, to share what helps them participate in sport and physical activity, feel included and keep coming back.
Their responses were varied. Some people value the energy, encouragement and accountability of being part of a group. Others prefer a smaller session, individual activity or the flexibility to participate at their own pace.
But some clear themes came through: people want to feel welcome before they arrive, know what to expect, have choices about how they participate, and be part of an environment where they are treated with respect.
For clubs, schools, councils and community organisations, these are practical things to consider. Inclusion does not begin when someone asks for support. It begins with how a setting is planned, communicated and experienced.
Ensure people feel welcome, before they ask.
People should not have to contact an organisation first to find out whether they will be welcome.
The language and information on a club website, social media page, registration form or flyer can make a real difference. It helps when organisations clearly communicate that people with disability and neurodivergent people are welcome, and that staff or volunteers are available to discuss access or participation needs.
A team member with lived experience of ADHD shared:
“Make inclusion visible before someone has to ask for it. Sporting clubs should openly advertise that they welcome people with disability and are neurodivergent-friendly.”
This is not about making promises a club cannot keep. It is about showing that inclusion has been considered, and that people can start a conversation if they need to.
Help people know what to expect.
Trying a new activity can involve a lot of unknowns. Where do I go? Who will be there? What does the session look like? What happens if I am late? Who can I speak to if I need help?
Clear, practical information can reduce that uncertainty. This might include session times, location and parking details, what to bring, what the activity involves, who will be there, and a contact person for questions.
Reminders can help too, particularly when people are balancing work, family, appointments and other commitments.
A team member with lived experience of ADHD told us:
“Knowing what to expect before I arrive, having sessions that fit around work and family, and getting a reminder beforehand would help me. A friendly check-in if I miss a session would also make it easier to come back without feeling awkward or guilty.”
Offer options, not assumptions.
There is no one way to participate in sport or physical activity.
Some people may enjoy the social connection of a group, while others may find a smaller group or individual activity more comfortable. Some may prefer to watch before joining in. Others may benefit from attending with a friend, family member or support person.
Clear instructions and demonstrations can also make a difference. One team member shared that having a coach demonstrate an exercise, then allowing time to try it before moving on, helped them feel more confident and enjoy the session.
For clubs and coaches, this can be as simple as explaining an activity in manageable stages, checking whether someone has questions, and recognising that people may need different amounts of time, support or space.
It can also include considering the environment. Noise, heat, shade, timing, busy spaces and the pace of a session can all affect whether someone feels comfortable participating. Not every adjustment will be possible in every setting, but being open to practical conversations is a strong place to start.
Build a culture people want to return to.
People are more likely to keep participating when they feel valued, supported and connected.
The responses we received spoke about the importance of fun, encouragement, friendships, clear communication and being recognised for progress. They also showed that participation does not need to look the same every week.
A team member with lived experience of ADHD said:
“Knowing that I don’t have to give 100% every time helps make sport more accessible for me. Being able to show up, participate, and do what I can on the day reduces pressure and makes it easier to stay engaged and enjoy the experience.”
For clubs and community groups, that can mean focusing on participation and connection as well as performance. It can mean giving people the option to take breaks, adapt an activity, or participate at a pace that works for them.
A welcoming culture is built in small moments: how a coach gives feedback, how volunteers respond to questions, how teammates include someone who is new, and whether people feel comfortable being themselves.
Make it easier to return after time away.
Missing a session should not make it harder for someone to return.
Life can be busy. Health, energy, confidence, work, family and other commitments can all affect attendance. A person may want to return but feel unsure about whether they have missed too much, let someone down or will need to explain themselves.
A short, friendly message can make a difference. It does not need to be intrusive or place pressure on someone to attend. It can simply let them know they are welcome when they are ready.
That kind of communication helps build trust. It also shows that inclusion is not a one-off activity or statement. It is part of how an organisation maintains relationships with its community.
Inclusion is part of everyday sport.
Creating more inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities is not about having all the answers straight away.
It is about listening, being clear, and being willing to make practical changes where possible. It is about recognising that people have different ways of participating, and that a small change in communication, culture or environment can affect whether someone feels they belong.
Sport4All works with clubs, schools, councils and community organisations across Australia to build more accessible and inclusive sport environments.
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Staff at Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre say Sport4All’s online learning has given them greater confidence and understanding when supporting people with disability. Working with local Inclusion Coach Jo Carson, the team is also identifying new opportunities to make participation more welcoming. Jo has been working with the centre for a couple of months. […]
