...to play sports and join a team

Supporting participation in sport and physical activity often begins with simple, everyday routines. Families and individuals can build confidence by enjoying movement through activities that feel fun and achievable, such as dancing to music, playing backyard games, walking the dog or creating small obstacle courses using household items.  

These experiences help develop coordination and confidence without pressure. If you are doing this with your child, focus on what they can do. Breaking activities into short steps can make success feel more reachable, and celebrating effort helps build motivation. Including siblings or friends can make physical activity feel social and enjoyable.  

For people who prefer predictable routines, especially autistic children or teenagers, planning regular times for physical activity can provide comfort and emotional regulation. 

Schools can be strong partners in supporting a child’s sporting goals. Parents and caregivers can speak with teachers, PE staff and Learning Support Officers to share information about your child’s strengths, communication styles and any adjustments that may support participation. Modified equipment, extra breaks, smaller teams or adapted rules can make physical activities and sport more accessible and enjoyable. Participating in school-based lunchtime clubs or inclusive sports days can help children explore new activities with guidance. Sharing plans from therapists such as exercise physiologists, occupational therapists or physiotherapists with the school helps everyone work together toward the same goals. 

There are many opportunities to connect with sport in positive, inclusive ways in your local community. Families and individuals can look for all-abilities programs offered by local councils, disability organisations and sporting clubs, many of which run sessions designed for diverse movement and communication needs.  

Starting small can reduce overwhelm, attending a “come and try” day is a gentle way to see what feels comfortable. Some people may enjoy taking on non-playing roles first, such as scorer, helper or umpire, which can build belonging and confidence before joining as a player. Making sport a family activity by attending events together or volunteering can strengthen connection and model the joy of movement and physical activity. 

Choosing the right club can make a big difference to how enjoyable sport feels. An inclusive club is one where coaches show patience, genuine interest and a willingness to learn about each player’s needs. Families and individuals can look for clubs that openly discuss adjustments, offer modified rules or equipment and communicate clearly about expectations. Accessible facilities matter too. This includes safe pathways, suitable parking, accessible toilets and adequate lighting can help everyone feel confident arriving and participating. A strong team culture built on respect and inclusion is often the biggest predictor of long-term success. 

Starting the journey can feel big, but breaking it into simple steps helps. Families and individuals can begin by thinking about what sports spark interest. It could be something they enjoy watching, talking about or playing casually. Local councils and community centres are great places to explore available inclusive programs. Trying a couple of different sports can help identify what feels most enjoyable. Working with an exercise physiologist or occupational therapist can build physical readiness, emotional confidence and strategies for joining in at a comfortable pace. Participation can increase gradually as confidence grows and routines become familiar.