Ensuring Inclusive Coaching

This question is always one that creates problems for coaches. We all like to believe we are inclusive but there are many issues that will need to be addressed before this question can be answered honestly.

If we accept that Inclusion means every person joining in football at the level appropriate to them with adequate support provision if required, then we have a good starting position. Any activity that prevents players from joining is exclusion so as coaches we attempt to include everyone and make the session challenging yet appropriate to their level.

Talking to player/ parent / carers will provide invaluable information which eliminates any assumption making on your part. Being fully informed and aware of a players particular Disability, including knowing what has been achieved (or tried) in the past will lay the foundations for Inclusion. Knowing the players aspirations within the game and how they see themselves developing will give you an insight into motivation and commitment. From their experience (if they have some) are you able to find out what limitations they may have for certain activities. Were they able to participate in all the current exercises that the players perform and if not what adaptations were made previously that proved successful. A player may require adult support during training or perhaps the coach may have to adapt his coaching style to meet the players needs. (Deaf or hearing impaired players being one example).

First impressions are lasting impressions

Providing a welcoming environment for all players is something that all teams and clubs hope to perfect. If players don’t feel that the club is welcoming enough they will often tell their parents / carers that they don’t want to go back. What many coaches miss is the fact that often parents / carers help their children make the decision by passing on their opinions. An example would be a player turning up and Mum being ignored by the coach or worse still dismissed as not knowing enough about the game to be consulted about the players abilities etc. No matter how much the player enjoyed the session his Mum will be convinced that the team is not friendly enough, the coach is rude possibly abrasive/sexist. Once this stance is adopted it is not hard to see why some parents then become convinced that the coach believes that Mum and son should be thankful for the opportunity to join. Creating a welcoming impression is not always easy, but a few words of explanation will clarify the situation to the newcomer and go a long way to creating an atmosphere of acceptance.

First impressions for players with Disabilities or Medical conditions

If a player with an obvious Disability arrives at the club the initial reaction of coach and players can be positive or negative to further progress. The use of the correct terminology to describe a particular Disability will demonstrate some form of basic knowledge. Often coaches will be unsure of what to say - so honesty is the best policy. Never assume that you know the exact condition, rather ask the player or parent/carer to explain it more comprehensively. Then always make sure that this information is passed on to the rest of your staff. Also take great care over how much information you give the players peers, because the right to privacy of each individual is just as important as passing on general information. Ask the player/ parent or carer how much the players would need to know about the condition to ensure safety and greater understanding for all. Then if time allows spend a while getting to know the individual, in other words talk football with them, it is the reason they are there in the first place.