"The sessions are having a positive impact as he is able to try different things without being judged and is able to meet new friends."
 - Joseph's Mother

Joseph is 8 years old and has a hearing impairment, ADHD and learning difficulties. This makes it difficult for him to follow or retain instructions. Oftentimes, children like Joseph are overlooked by traditional sport. This means they miss out on the life-changing benefits that it can provide.

Having not regularly participated in sport, Joseph came to our SISPAN Active Together Festival in early 2022 where he tried lots of different sports and activities.

Following this event, Joseph attended our Lewisham Inclusive Sports Festival, in May 2022, where he enjoyed discovering even more activities and learning new tennis skills. Since then, Joseph has attended a sitting volleyball club and has become a regular partici- pant in an inclusive karate session in Southwark.

Trying activities such as tennis in an inclusive environment gave Joseph the enthusiasm to want to engage in new activities. He has been absolutely loving the karate sessions, where we have seen him really focusing on his movement, having fun with new friends and improving his listening skills.

Joseph’s mum highlighted the positive impact these sessions have had on her son, as well as the patience and understanding shown by inclusive community coaches.

“He really enjoys the Access Sport sessions because he is able to try different sports with the understanding from the instructors that he will not follow the entire sessions to plan. The sessions are having a positive impact as he is able to try different things without being judged and is able to meet new friends.”

Once again, Joseph’s story is another great example of how community sport can act as a vehicle for positive change in young people’s lives!