Making Sports Participation More Fun: How Friends, Family & Support Workers Can Help

Playing sport can do great things for your confidence, independence and wellbeing. It’s a chance to learn new skills, stay active – and meet people who have similar interests.

For newcomers, there’s plenty of ways to make getting started more fun – or at least less stressful – with help from your informal supports (your friends, family and community) and formal supports (NDIS-funded supports).

Related: What are informal supports under the NDIS?

The Power of Family & Friends in Sports

Our family, friends, carers and community can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your sporting experience is. There’s nothing better than playing sport with your mates – or having a crew cheering you on, both on and off the field! 

Your family, friends, and community connections make up your informal support network. In NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) terms, informal supports are the people who would support you regardless of ability. This can cover a wide range of things, ranging from collaboration to care.

Support to get started: Assembling your ‘pit crew’

Working with your loved ones to get into sport can be helpful in several ways. Family and friends can offer the emotional support you need to take the first step on a new journey. They can also help make that journey possible (and sustainable) by finding sports clubs, providing transport, helping you with training and recovery, and accompanying you when you need a bit of support.

For example: You want to start playing badminton. Your family might be able to help you find a club that offers the right accommodations. They might also help you prepare for your matches,drive you there and cheer you on from the sidelines.

Friendly support: Helping you stay motivated

Everything’s better with a mate! If you can train with a friend, join a group, or even work with a personal trainer, you’ll likely find it easier to stay motivated for the long term.

When sports participation becomes social, it feels like fun – not a chore. You can celebrate your wins as soon as they happen – and you’re more likely to continue with sport if you have someone to keep you accountable.

Sport can also be safer with a training buddy. On your own, it’s difficult to tell if your posture or alignment starts to falter; there’s a risk you may injure yourself unintentionally, particularly as you’re starting to get tired towards the end of a session.

It’s important to move and exercise in ways that won’t cause you pain or injury. Training alongside someone who knows you and your disability needs can help reduce that risk – so you can focus on the good stuff, like enjoying yourself.

How Support Workers can help with Sports Participation

If you have sports-related goals in your NDIS plan, you may be able to purchase support services from NDIS providers to help you build skills, gain independence, and participate more in your community. 

The formal supports available in your plan could include:

Community participation supports

These supports can help cover the cost of taking part in community, social and recreational activities. For example, Core Supports: Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation funding can be used to purchase supports to help you during the activity itself – such as a support worker to help you on the day.

Therapeutic supports

The NDIS may also fund supports to help with physical wellbeing, such as working with an exercise physiologist or a personal trainer (both of which must be appropriately qualified to be considered NDIS Supports).

Therapeutic supports like these aim to improve your independence and functional capacity through strategic exercise and movement. This support would be funded through Capacity Building: Improved Health & Wellbeing.

Related: 

• NDIS Core Supports budget 101: Everything You Need to Know
• Capacity Building Supports budget: Improved Health & Wellbeing

What supports are available in your NDIS Plan?

As an NDIS participant, you can check the details of your plan by checking with:

• The NDIS: Via the my NDIS app or the myplace portal.
• Your Plan Management Provider: They will be able to provide information on your budgets and spending, and answer any questions about NDIS funding.
• Your Support Coordinator: If you work with a Support Coordinator, they can help you understand your plan and the supports you are able to purchase.

If you can align your sports activity with your NDIS plan goals, your funding might cover other ‘reasonable and necessary’ items as well. This may include things like transport to and from activities, and assistive technology.

Related:

• Core Supports Budget: Transport
• Maximising Value from Your Plan Manager: 5 Questions You Should Ask

Building Your Sports Support Squad

Sport is a great way to connect you with your community and expand your informal networks. You can enjoy being around like-minded people and learning new skills, all of which can help build your confidence and improve your mental wellbeing – not to mention, exercising regularly can help you sleep better and improve your energy over time.

With support from the people close to us (and by using your NDIS funded supports), sports can become a fun, fulfilling part of your life. Why not give it a go? You might find something you love.

Now the hardest part: Which sport should you try first…

Related: 5 Most Popular Adaptive Sports in Australia for People Living with Disability

Taking the Next Step with The Start Line

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games may be finished, but we remain committed to helping shine a spotlight on accessibility in sports through our partnership with Paralympics Australia. Part of that is encouraging the next generation of Para-athletes to give it a go!

Paralympics Australia has created The Start Line, a hub for info, guidance and opportunities for thriving Para-athletes to begin or continue their Para-sport journeys. Through their national network of partners, Paralympics Australia helps to identify and develop Para-athletes with the potential to compete at the highest level. That could be you! 

Whether you’re new to Para-sport, looking to be classified, or exploring different sports, The Start Line connects you with the resources and support you need. 

Download your free copy of ‘Get Active, Stay Involved!’

We believe nothing should get in the way of your goals – least of all figuring out how and where to take the next step. ‘Get Active, Stay Involved! – NDSP Plan Managers’ offers practical advice, real stories, and tons of helpful links and ideas to support your sports goals. Grab your free downloadable copy today and find your pathway to participation!