PR Nº: 101133500
MARCH 2025
EUSportIncludes
Empowering Youth Through Sports
SPECIAL FOCUS
Progress Update:
Advancing Inclusive
Sports
INSIDE
Preparing Trainers for
Inclusive Sports
Leaders
DISCOVER
The Journey of Inclusive
Sports
VOL. 2
From Training to Action
March 2025
Progress Update: Advancing Inclusive Sports
Since its launch, the EU SportIncludes project has made great progress and achieved important milestones on the road to inclusive sport in schools and communities across Italy and Spain. The initiative has been essential in creating an environment where all students can participate in sporting activities.
The project has been very active in recent months. The partners organised a series of workshops, training sessions for coaches and school visits. These events, which took place in Spain and Italy, were crucial in preparing educators, coaches and school staff to implement inclusive sports programmes in their communities.
Looking to the future, the project is ready to build on these initial successes and expand its reach. There are already plans to bring inclusive sports programmes to more schools and regions across Europe. The team is more determined than ever to expand these efforts and have a lasting impact on inclusive sport education.
In this webzine you can expect:
Project Progress
Workshops
School visits in Action
Training of the trainers
The Journey of Inclusive Sports
How You Can Get Involved
SPORT INDOOR SCHOOL VISIT
VOL.2
Workshops
Workshops for Inclusive Sports
The EU project SportIncludes recently organised a series of workshops in Spain and Italy to equip educators, coaches and school staff with the tools to create inclusive sporting environments. These workshops focussed on adapting sports activities to students of all abilities to ensure that everyone can participate, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges. The workshops provided practical strategies for adapting games and activities as well as guidance on how to promote inclusive thinking in schools.
The feedback from participants was extremely positive. Many expressed greater confidence in their ability to integrate inclusive sport into their programmes. Educators valued the opportunity to collaborate, share experiences and develop a deeper understanding of how best to support students with diverse needs. The workshops not only improved skills but also helped to build a network of educators committed to promoting inclusion in physical education across Europe.
Overcoming barriers in inclusive sport
- Four workshops that brought together 70+ diverse participants to redefine inclusion in sport.
- Quality matters: insightful evaluation surveys were conducted to ensure that the workshops ran excellently and gathered valuable feedback.
- Empowering change: 75% of participants reported that their understanding of inclusive sport had increased significantly.
- Looking to the future: It is expected that at least 50% of participants will remain committed to inclusion through active engagement in the programme.
School Visits
As part of the EU SportIncludes initiative, we had the privilege of visiting schools in Spain and Italy where inclusive sports are being introduced directly to students. During these visits, we were able to see for ourselves the transformative power of sports that are adapted to the needs of all students, regardless of ability. Each school has seized the opportunity to provide new sporting experiences for their students.
Teachers, students and staff have commented on the increased engagement and confidence of students who previously would not have felt involved in sporting activities. Whilst there have been challenges, such as adapting spaces and resources for accessibility, the success stories of these visits have highlighted how inclusive sport can create a more supportive and empowering school environment. These visits have generated enthusiasm and the impact continues as schools look forward to expanding these opportunities.
Italy
Spain
From Learning to Action: Preparing Trainers for Inclusive Sports Leaders
Before the training, teachers and coaches often struggled with understanding how neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, OCD, and ASD shape a child’s ability to engage in sports. But through a well-crafted program, these challenges turned into opportunities for growth. Here’s how the training made a difference
Breaking Barriers
- Social Challenges: Before the sessions, understanding teamwork and communication difficulties was rated as low by participants. Post-training, their knowledge skyrocketed, equipping them to better support social interaction in sports.
- Behavioral Barriers: Anxiety and impulsivity had posed significant barriers. With new strategies in hand, educators now feel confident in managing these behaviors.
- Sensory Sensitivities: From loud noises to uncomfortable textures, sensory challenges were often overlooked. Teachers are now able to identify and successfully manage these sensitivities because of the training.
Confidence to create change
- Rule adaptations: The educators have learnt to adapt the rules so that every child feels included.
- Customised activities: New exercises allow children with different abilities to develop in the same space.
- Real-time adaptation: Teachers are now able to adapt lessons in real time so that no one is left behind.
Practical Tools in Action
The training provided solutions to everyday challenges:
- For ADHD: Structured pauses, pre-agreed hand signals, and reinforcement of norms.
- For ASD: Quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones, and smaller group activities.
- For OCD: Time for rituals combined with techniques for gradual adaptation.
What’s next?
Feedback highlighted the balance of theory and hands-on activities, with participants leaving motivated to transform their practice. While overwhelmingly positive, suggestions included diving deeper into specific topics like engaging families and managing emotional crises. One thing is clear: the training has planted seeds of change, instilling confidence, equipping educators with tools, and setting the foundation for a more inclusive approach to sports.
The Journey of Inclusive Sports
Throughout Europe, EU SportIncludes is breaking new ground in physical education. By training educators, coaches and school staff, this programme promotes inclusive practices that ensure children of all abilities can participate and succeed in sporting activities. Through workshops, school visits and practical training, the project empowers communities to overcome barriers and promote inclusion in sport.
Empowered Educators as Change Makers
Participants from the training sessions are expected to continually refine and share inclusive strategies. These educators are likely to inspire new generations of teachers and coaches, creating a growing network of advocates for neurodiverse inclusion in sports across Europe.
Sustainable Inclusive Practices
Schools are embedding the strategies and tools gained during the training into their physical education programs. This ensures that inclusive sports become an integral part of the curriculum, benefiting children with diverse needs for years to come.
Social Ripple Effect
By promoting understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, the initiative could have a broader societal impact. Educators, families, and communities will work together to foster empathy, collaboration, and acceptance far beyond the sports field.
How You Can Get Involved
Join Us in Making Sports More Inclusive!
The EU SportIncludes project is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement toward creating a sports environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, can participate and thrive. Whether you’re a coach, educator, parent, or someone passionate about inclusion, there are many ways you can get involved and support this important work.
Receive the Training Materials
Are you a coach or educator looking to expand your skills in adaptive sports? Reach out to us to receive the Training materials, where you’ll learn practical techniques and strategies for working with children and teens with autism, ADHD, and OCD.
Partner with Us
Do you represent an organisation that shares our mission? We are always looking to collaborate with like-minded partners across Europe to expand the reach of inclusive sports. Let’s work together to create more opportunities for children with special needs to engage in sports.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about the importance of inclusive sports by sharing our project with your network. Follow EU SportIncludes on social media, attend our events, and encourage others to get involved in promoting sports for all.
Support the Project
Your support can make a big difference. Whether it’s volunteering your time, sharing resources, or offering sponsorship, there are many ways you can contribute to the success of EU SportIncludes. Every bit of help moves us closer to a more inclusive sports culture across Europe.
CONTACT
EU SportIncludes is dedicated to creating inclusive sports programs for youth with
autism, ADHD, and OCD. By fostering partnerships across Europe, we’re empowering educators and trainers to make a real difference in the lives of kids and teens. Together, we’re transforming
challenges into opportunities—one game at a time.
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facebook.com/EUSportincludes
https://eusportincludes.eu/
