National Inclusion Week is an annual event that celebrates and promotes inclusion across the UK. It encourages organisations and communities to focus on building an inclusive culture, ensuring everyone, regardless of background, ability, or identity, feels valued and empowered to participate. In the world of sports, inclusion plays a pivotal role in creating spaces where athletes, coaches, and volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds can thrive together.

Creating an Inclusive Club

Building an inclusive sports club involves more than just welcoming new members—it requires creating an environment where everyone feels they belong. To foster inclusivity, clubs can:

• Actively recruit diverse members, from different age groups, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Ensure accessibility in facilities, resources, and programs.
• Provide training and education on inclusion to staff, coaches, and members.
• Develop policies that promote equal opportunities and address barriers to participation.

Training Available for Enhancing Inclusion

To support sports clubs and professionals in fostering inclusivity, there are some fantastic training opportunities available. Here are the Canoe Wales top recommendations for National Inclusion Week!

1. Disability Inclusion Training Level 1 (Disability Sport Wales)

This entry-level course is designed for coaches, volunteers, and staff looking to better understand how to create accessible environments for people with disabilities. It covers everything from adaptive coaching techniques to understanding specific needs. With this course now offered for free, it’s a fantastic opportunity to boost your club’s ability to include everyone.

2. The Menstrual Cycle in Sport (Sport Wales)

Recognising the impact of the menstrual cycle on athletes is crucial in ensuring that women and girls receive the necessary support. This training helps coaches and club leaders understand how to tailor training programs, manage workloads, and provide necessary accommodations to athletes based on their menstrual health.

3. Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion eLearning (Paddle UK)

This course from Paddle UK provides tools and ideas to help create more inclusive environments in paddlesport. The course covers topics such as understanding equality, recognising bullying and harassment, and fostering an inclusive environment. It is designed for anyone in the paddling community who wants to make a positive change, and learners earn 5 CPD points upon completion. The course is free for members.

4. Neurodiversity Mini-Series (Paddle UK)

The Neurodiversity Mini-Series is a five-part series launched by Paddle UK as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024. It provides an introduction to the concept of neurodiversity, explaining key terms and definitions. This resource is a great starting point for individuals looking to improve their understanding of neurodiverse individuals in sport. It helps build foundational knowledge, offering insights into how to create more inclusive paddling environments.

National Inclusion Week serves as a reminder that diversity and inclusion strengthen teams and communities, making sports accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We love to hear from you! Send us your feedback on the courses you complete or your inclusion stories and journeys. 

Author - Kerry Skidmore (she/her | hi/ei), Lead Safeguarding and Equality Officer, Swyddog Diogelu a Chydraddoldeb Arweiniol