Benefits of inclusion for sports and clubs
Sport should be accessible, safe, and fun for everyone to enjoy and be a part of. Creating inclusive sports is ‘the right thing to do’ because, ultimately, it will nurture a society where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can enjoy the social and health benefits of sport. Sport is an important cultural activity where broader social norms are developed and echoed. Implementing diversity and inclusion practices will ensure strong community involvement and the ongoing importance and sustainability of sports and clubs into the future.
Making your club or sport more inclusive will help to:
- increase your membership, participant and volunteer base
- widen your talent pool
- meet sport regulatory obligations
- expand sponsorship opportunities
- embrace and celebrate diverse skills and values that reflect your local community
- ensure consistency in ‘walking the talk’ to meet your strategic objectives
- break down social barriers and promote social cohesion
- develop a stronger, better connected sport community
- contribute to positive physical and mental health in the community
- increase governance and risk management, and decrease potential legal risks
- increase community support and public image
Benefits of inclusion for communities
Being part of an inclusive sport environment gives individuals positive social and health outcomes. It also provides a space where diverse groups can build trust in one another, helping to break down social and cultural stigmas or barriers, and strengthen overall community connections. Positive sport experiences give everyone a sense of belonging and connectedness, and encourage life-long participation and engagement with sport.
Being involved in a sport environment that is inclusive will:
- promote positive health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals
- create positive and long-lasting experiences and associations with sport
- break down social stigmas and barriers
- provide a sense of belonging in the broader community
- strengthen a sense of community identity and social connectedness
- provide an opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge
- develop increased resilience for individuals and local communities
- provide a broad, safe and inclusive support network
This content was developed with support from the Australian Sports Commission.