YBC Officials and Coaches Attend Neurodivergence Inclusion Workshop
In September, officials and coaches from YBC’s across the country attended a Neurodivergence Inclusion Workshop delivered by Access Sport. The session provided valuable insight into how sports clubs can better support individuals with neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping create environments where everyone feels welcome, understood and able to thrive. It was encouraging to see so many coaches, volunteers and officials eager to learn more about the challenges neurodivergent individuals may face and the practical steps that can make a meaningful difference to their experience.
Throughout the two-hour session, participants explored ways to adapt communication styles, coaching methods and club environments to better meet the needs of those with ADHD and ASD.
Discussions focused on understanding different learning styles, reducing barriers to participation and recognising that small changes can have a significant impact on a young person’s confidence and enjoyment of sport.
One of the most popular resources introduced during the workshop was the ‘All About Me’ handout card. These cards allow participants to share useful information about how they learn, communicate and engage in activities. Coaches felt this simple but effective tool could help build stronger relationships with attendees and enable more personalised support.
One participant reflected on how the workshop increased their understanding and confidence: “I found the workshop really useful and learned a lot. A big part of that for me was understanding the terminology. There were terms I had heard used before but never properly understood and having them explained clearly means I can now follow the conversation and use the language with confidence rather than relying on assumptions. The workshop also helped dispel a few myths that I didn’t realise I was holding, which was a real eye opener and has changed the way I think about supporting athletes.”
Another attendee highlighted how the learning has already been shared more widely within YBC:
“The course was very informative, and I’ve since shared it with our coaches and committee members. They all said they took away ideas that could be tailored to support our neurodivergent YBC members. The general consensus was that the ‘All About Me’ card was a great idea and we will be adding it to our new members’ pack, as well as asking our existing members to complete one too, whether neurodivergent or not. This will help ensure all members feel their needs are understood and met, while helping us become an even more inclusive club.”
Putting Learning into Practice
The information discussed throughout the workshop was extremely useful and provided coaches and volunteers with additional tools and techniques to use when working with athletes. Gaining a better understanding of neurodiversity and learning practical ways to adapt communication and coaching approaches will help support individuals more effectively, ensuring that every athlete can develop, participate and enjoy the sport in a way that works best for them.
This initiative reflects YBC’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of background, ability or neurotype, canenjoy bowling, buildconfidence and reach their full potential.
The BTBA would like to thank Access Sport for delivering such an engaging and informative workshop and looks forward to implementing many of the ideas and resources shared during the session.
Together, we can continue to make bowling a sport where everyone can belong, participate and achieve their potential.