Sports Coaching Engagement and Inclusivity

So what is engagement?

Oxford Dictionary describes it as; “being involved with somebody/something in an attempt to understand them/it”

This is a solid foundation to establish the role of the coach in order to engage their participants within a sports based session. So my thoughts of what a sports based coach should do based on their responsibility of engaging their players are as follows:-

It’s absolutely vital that a coach gets to know their players, not just in a sports capacity but get to them as people preferably in a social environment away from the sports activities or just get to know them away from the activities themselves before a session begins, in a common/games room, carpark, corridor, over meals etc. Social activities provide opportunities for engagement and to be “involved with somebody in an attempt to understand them”. Its common ground that is necessary to build upon a coach to player relationship where they can build a supportive and progressive bond.

Getting to know “the person” rather than “the player” is a necessary process to understand them. Things like, what’s their favourite food, elite sports performer, music, sports team, colour, the area they live, family and extended family are some examples of getting further knowledge on getting to know “the person”.

Have conversations before and after sports activities, pay an interest in getting to know “the player” and create and build upon the relationship, show them you care, they will pay you back if you show them you care!

What is inclusivity?

Oxford Dictionary describes it as; ?“the practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of minority groups”

In sports coaching this is recognising difference and ensuring that difference is planned for and included within the session delivery. So perhaps consider the following…

Are you aware of you players physical and mental needs and requirements, do you know your players? Links to engagement, if you have found out about “the person” you can then start linking the sessions to support their physical, emotional, social and mental needs as well as the technical, tactical elements.

Do you know what school environment they are in and how they prefer to learn or take in information? If we have an idea of how they learn then we can include different visual aids such as whiteboards, cones, iPad etc to support them and include them in the coaching points, instructions and club philosophy.

Not everyone is the same! Understanding that everyone is different and trying to offer a caring and supportive nature is absolutely vital. Can your sessions include everyone? Do they have access to being involved, can you ensure they are included in some type of capacity based on their needs and requirements, do you have enough equipment which enhances involvement.?

Find out more about the Sports Connect UK coach development programme Sports Coaching & Development – Sports Connect UK