Inclusion in Community Sport

From 2016 to 2024, the Hobsons Bay Community Fund partnered with the University of Melbourne to support a series of student-led research and community projects focused on inclusion.

The partnership was delivered through supervised student placements and explored how children and young people of all abilities — including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds — participate in community life, particularly through sport.

Projects were undertaken in collaboration with local sporting clubs, councils and community organisations, combining research with direct engagement in community settings.

What the partnership involved

Over the course of the program, university students contributed to:

• Literature reviews and policy analysis

• Community and stakeholder engagement

• Participation in local programs and activities

• Development of practical tools and resources

• Documentation of local experiences and outcomes

Each year, students worked on a defined project topic within the broader theme of inclusion and reported back to the Community Fund to help inform our grant-making.

The summaries below provide an overview of the focus and outcomes of this work over time.

2019 — Clubs for Everyone Toolkit

Development of Clubs for Everyone: A Toolkit for Inclusion in Local Sport and Recreation, a practical resource designed to support local sporting clubs to strengthen inclusive practices.

The toolkit was informed by engagement with local clubs and community members, and translates research into simple, actionable guidance. It includes self-assessment tools, practical tips and frameworks to help clubs reflect on their current practices and identify areas for improvement.

The resource provides a structured way for clubs to move toward more inclusive environments, supporting participation for young people of all abilities.

2020 — COVID-19 and Community Sport

Research examining the impact of COVID-19 on local sporting clubs and their ability to maintain participation and inclusive practices during periods of disruption.

The work explored how clubs adapted to changing conditions, including shutdowns and restrictions, and identified challenges related to maintaining engagement with participants — particularly those who may already face barriers to participation.

The findings reinforced the role of community sport in supporting social connection and wellbeing, and highlighted the importance of supporting clubs as they rebuild participation following disruption.

2021 — Community Inclusion Initiatives

In 2021, the program focused on delivering inclusion-focused activities in partnership with local sporting organisations.

This included events such as the Williamstown Seagulls Inclusion Round, where all-abilities players participated within a mainstream club environment. These events created opportunities for shared participation, increased visibility of inclusive sport, and engagement between players, families and the broader community.

Through these initiatives, the program supported local clubs to explore how inclusive practices can be embedded within existing structures, while also building awareness of opportunities for participation.

2022 — Program Development (Come & Try Model)

In 2022, students explored the foundations of inclusion in community sport, examining what makes sporting environments welcoming, accessible and supportive for people of all abilities.

As part of this work, students looked at real-world examples of inclusive practice, including initiatives such as the Williamstown Seagulls Inclusion Round (delivered in 2021). These events bring all-abilities players into a mainstream club setting, with inclusive teams participating alongside regular club activities, creating opportunities for visibility, shared participation and community connection.

Through research and discussion, students considered the role of clubs, volunteers and communities in reducing barriers to participation, including accessibility, awareness and social inclusion.

This phase of the program helped build a shared understanding of inclusion, laying the groundwork for later years where students would engage more directly with local programs and apply these principles in practice.

2023 — CALD Inclusion Research

Research exploring the barriers and facilitators to participation in community sport for children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are living with disability.

This phase included literature review, policy analysis and stakeholder mapping to better understand the local context and identify key challenges and opportunities.

The work contributed to a clearer evidence base to inform future program design and highlighted the importance of culturally responsive approaches to inclusion.

2024 — Applied Community Engagement and Inclusion in Practice

In 2024, students moved from research into real-world engagement, working directly with local all-abilities sports programs — including the Altona All Abilities Basketball Program, supported through a Hobsons Bay Community Fund grant.

Through this partnership, students attended sessions and engaged with coaches, players and families, gaining first-hand insight into how inclusive sporting environments operate in practice. They observed the importance of coaching approaches that adapt to individual needs, the role of peer support in building confidence, and the critical contribution of families in enabling participation.

The grant-supported program provided a valuable, real-world case study, allowing students to see the direct impact of community funding in action — from creating welcoming environments to increasing opportunities for participation.

This phase of the program also contributed to the development of additional resources to extend the Clubs for Everyone toolkit, including materials focused on inclusive volunteering and participation pathways.

Importantly, the work highlighted both the strengths and the challenges of inclusive sport. While the benefits for participants were clear — including improved confidence, social connection and physical activity — students also identified ongoing barriers such as financial constraints, transport and access to clear information about available programs.

Altona All Abilities Basketball Program - Creating a place where every child can take part, build confidence and feel they belong.