Creating Disability Doorstep Clubs

Lee Boyer – Chorley CouncilRachael Darling – WLCT Sports

DevelopmentChris Ratcliffe - EFDS

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session we hope all delegates will:– have a greater understanding of grassroots

disability sport, nationally and within local area

– be able to highlight what is needed to improve their local service

– have increased knowledge of ‘the winning formula’ for implementing successful disability doorstep clubs

The National Context

Increasing awareness of sport amongst disabled people

Barriers still exist in mainstream clubs Grassroots Disability Sport Clubs

– Many sports clubs for disabled people are not directly affiliated to sport

– Run by volunteers / parents with limited sports knowledge

The National Context

Inclusive Club Hub

www.Inclusion-club-hub.co.uk– Helps clubs to include more disabled people

in their activities. – A platform where you can audit your club to

see how inclusive you are– Provides ideas, methods and resources to

ensure everyone has a positive and inclusive club experience

The Local Feel

What is happening in your area?– Disability groups/clubs?– Partnership opportunities?– Age Groups?– Integrated or Targeted?– Sport-specific or Multi Sport?

The Winning Formula

Knowledge of Community Knowledge of Customer Knowledge of Exit Routes / Partners Invest in Staff and Volunteers Adapt, Improvise and Overcome

10 Top Tips

1. Know your community and do your groundwork

2. Invest in your staff/volunteers

3. Involve parents and carers

4. Involve participants in planning (where appropriate)

5. Liaise with NGB’s when developing activities

10 Top Tips

6. Don’t limit yourself to sports-related staff

7. Plan and prepare

8. Use the most suitable venue for your activity

9. Sell your story and build PR links

10. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!

Do’s and Don’ts

Do…– Work with others and build partnerships – ask

for support!– Provide useful and appropriate training for

coaches/volunteers– Make sure sessions are safe, without

destroying the activity– Utilise role models, inspiring people and

sporting champions

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t…– Assume anything; consult with parents/carers

and participants throughout– Think you can do it all; start small and find out

what is needed/wanted!– Be afraid to try new things!

Any Questions?...

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session we hope all delegates will:– have a greater understanding of grassroots

disability sport, nationally and within local area

– be able to highlight what is needed to improve their local service

– have increased knowledge of ‘the winning formula’ for implementing successful disability doorstep clubs