Make Inclusion A First Thought

Not a runner-up

By John Engh
Photos: Naya

After listening to a presentation on inclusion by Krista Rappoccio from Move United at the most recent Youth Sports Congress, I remembered one of my favorite volunteer youth-coaching experiences. It was the last season my daughter played in recreational soccer. As with every other season, we received the roster via email, and I recognized a couple names on the list, but most were new.

To me, those first couple of practices were some of the best of the season. Watching the players get to know each other and discovering their strengths and weaknesses was really interesting to watch. Who was fast?  Who was aggressive? And finding the natural leaders—especially in those early practices—made things great. Plus, knowing this might be my last season coaching made me want to take a step back and enjoy everything about the experience.

At the first practice, I always tried to arrive a half hour before the rest of the team to make a good first impression. My daughter didn’t particularly like this strategy, but it did give us some one-on-one time to work on improving some of her skills. As the other players started to arrive, it was almost impossible not to form first impressions: she looks fast, she looks tough, she looks shy, etc. But when one other player arrived, I have to admit my first thought was not positive and that I would have a challenge on my hands. She was a little person.

It’s All About Mindset

My experience that day and through the entire season showed me how incredibly far off a first impression can be. By the first game I stopped thinking about her with any sense of her being challenged in any way. She might have been a step or two slower than some of the taller girls, but she more than made up for that with her tenacity and toughness. She made more steals than any other defender on the team and was a coach’s dream when it came to setting an example for the other girls and every team we faced that season. Most impressive to me was she was a born leader.

So, returning to Krista Rappoccio’s presentation, one thing she said really stood out: the importance of making inclusion a first thought and not a second one. I personally have had many experiences with adults and children with different challenges. Once one has an inclusive mindset, where expectations aren’t limited by perceptions, one learns that people with challenges are like everyone else, with strengths and weaknesses.

As recreation professionals and leaders in our communities, we must always operate with that inclusive mindset to ensure that all youngsters have opportunities to participate and enjoy sports. And coaches must understand what a rewarding season it can be working with all types of kids. Visit www.parksandrecbusiness.com to view video clips that show how you and your team can achieve an inclusive mindset that is a benefit to all.

John Engh is executive director of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) in West Palm Beach, Fla. He can be reached via email at jengh@nays.org. To join more than 3,000 communities by starting a NAYS Member Organization, visit www.nays.org, email nays@nays.org or call (800) 729-2057.