Co-Founder Community Sports Inclusion Model
- nadijaneau
- Dec 31, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 7
Falcons Footy Rugby League for Children of Different Abilities
Background
In 2014, the idea for the program began after a conversation with a parent who shared concerns about their child’s access to team sports. Recognising the importance of belonging and participation in community activities, I initiated contact with SC Falcons and NRL Games Development to explore opportunities for more inclusive sporting environments. Together, we organised a Come and Try Rugby League Day at Sunshine Coast Stadium, providing children of different abilities with the chance to experience Rugby League in a supportive and adaptable setting. The success of this event formed the foundation for the ongoing inclusive community sports program.
Project Context & Scope
Inclusive community sports program designed and implemented at Sunshine Coast Stadium in partnership with SC Falcons and NRL Games Development. The program enabled children of different abilities to participate in Rugby League in a safe, structured and supportive environment, removing barriers to participation and promoting equitable access to community sport.
Responsibilities & Contributions
Initiated project based on identified community need
Designed program structure and delivery model
Coordinated stakeholders including club executives, coaches, families and NRL development staff
Managed volunteer recruitment and event logistics
Developed marketing materials, website and community communication channels
Secured ambassador involvement and facilitated high-engagement game day experiences
Built sustainability framework to ensure program continuity beyond founder involvement
Objectives
Increase equitable access to community sport for children of different abilities
Create supportive environments that reduce participation anxiety and social/economic barriers
Facilitate meaningful peer connection, teamwork and belonging
Develop a scalable, repeatable model for community sports inclusion
Sustainability Impact Considerations
Equity in Access: Removed systemic barriers preventing participation in community sport
Community Belonging: Enabled families to connect and feel welcomed in mainstream sporting spaces
Representation: Normalised inclusive participation within high-profile sports environments
Program Continuity: Volunteer-supported structure ensured long-term sustainability beyond founder handover
Scalable Model: Program inspired replication in other community sport settings locally and nationally
Methodology
The program was designed to build confidence, belonging and participation through experiential access to mainstream Rugby League environments. Key components included:
Coaching clinics with Brisbane Broncos ambassador Matt Gillett, Kerrod Walters, Chris Flannery, Melbourne Storm and SC Falcons players
Group trips to Suncorp Stadium to experience live NRL matches
Private access to Maroons training camp for player meet-and-greet sessions
Game day integration, including SC Falcons field run-outs at every home game
Locker room access and behind-the-scenes team experiences
These experiences functioned as behavioural and social inclusion mechanisms, supporting identity formation, connection to community sport and normalisation of diverse participation
Program Sustainability
The program was coordinated under a volunteer-led model, grounded in community collaboration and shared responsibility. I developed and refined operational processes, event systems, safety considerations, stakeholder coordination workflows, volunteer structures and strong sponsor relationships to ensure the program could continue independently.
After four years, once the program was functioning consistently and sustainably, I transitioned the coordinator role. The program continues today and has become a replicable model inspiring inclusive sports initiatives across local and national contexts.
Outcomes & Key Results
Established ongoing inclusive Rugby League program at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Created pathways for children to engage with SC Falcons and Brisbane Broncos clubs
Secured high-profile ambassador support and memorable game-day experiences
Program received National ASPECT Above & Beyond Award (2015)
Ambassador Matt Gillett nomination for Ken Stephen Medal (2015)
Personal nomination Sport and Recreation Award Sunshine Coast Council Australia Day (2016)
Program continues independently and serves as a model for inclusive sports program design
