Supporting neurodivergent youth in sport

A ground-breaking community event from Read the Play and Manna Institute will focus on enhancing inclusivity in sport by supporting neurodivergent youth.

The Coaching Young Minds workshop will be held on June 16 and explore the intersection of coaching, mental health and neurodiversity in local sporting clubs.

The session aims to empower coaches and club leaders with practical strategies to create inclusive, supportive environments for all athletes.

The evening will feature insights from respected psychologist, researcher and former AFLW player Professor Erin Hoare, Inclusion Coach with Sports4All Travis Zimmer, chief executive officer of Phillips Coaching Simon Lloyd, and AFLW Cats player Claudia Gunjaca.

“All young people deserve to feel safe, supported and celebrated in sport,” Ms Hoare said.

“By nurturing neurodiversity and equipping coaches with the right tools, we can make a profound difference in how youth experience their sporting lives”

The initiative aligns with broader research led by Professor Hoare through the Manna Institute recently funded by Movember.

The Geelong Neuro Footy Project is working to make Geelong the Neuroinclusive Footy Capital of Australia.

This work and research will complement and strengthen existing mental health programs including Read the Play and Ahead of the Game.

Tickets to the event are $15, with all proceeds supporting Read the Play’s youth mental health programs.

For more information, head to readtheplay.org.au/events