Playing a starring role in inclusive sport

More than 400 young people with disabilities have taken part in sport through the Geelong All Abilities Sports Club in its first two years.

Also known as Geelong Stars, the Thomson-based club offers inclusive sports programs for participants of all abilities and experience levels.

Starting with Australian rules football, it has expanded into cricket, basketball, tenpin bowling, cycling, boxing, karate, golf and other sports.

Founder Scott Smith started the club in 2024 after running all-abilities Auskick sessions at the Newcomb Football & Netball Club.

“I took the model there across and adapted it to other sports,” he said. “All the programs we do are about participation.”

There are no competitions at Geelong Stars. Programs run over three weeks, with multiple activity stations, small groups and minimal instructions.

Smith said participants could throw or punch a ball through a handball target, with the focus on having a go rather than following a prescribed technique.

The club began with mini classes for children aged five to 12 and has since added a youth section for those aged 12 to 18.

Smith said the programs had helped many participants become more social at school and in the community.

“There’s kids where the mum has rung me or messaged me and said ‘So-and-so has just made a friend at school today, first time ever’, and it’s just by coming to the programs and getting involved,” he said.

“We were real keen for the sports to really shine but also it’s the inclusion for families.

“You don’t realise when having a child with a disability how much families will miss out on, so at some of the programs we’ve done, we encourage the families to get involved.”

Smith said the learn to ride a bicycle classes had been especially

successful, helping children build self-confidence.

“You don’t realise how much of a difference that makes to them,” he said.

“We take for granted the old family bike ride, so we’ve built these bikes with sidehacks that we can take out, and we can take participants in the seat.”

Geelong Stars celebrated its second birthday at its Thomson headquarters on Sunday.

For more information on the club, head to geelongstars.com.au