Reflections from the Club Hub Awards and What It Means for Roarsome Sport
I’m still riding the wave of inspiration after attending the Club Hub Awards, it was such an energising day, filled with amazing people doing incredible things for children and families through clubs, classes, and creative opportunities.
One of the standout moments for me was the keynote talk from the team behind DanceSyndrome, an inclusive dance charity that truly embodies the meaning of inclusion.
DanceSyndrome was founded by Jen Blackwell, a woman with Down’s syndrome who has always had a passion for dance. When Jen and her family couldn’t find inclusive dance training that met her needs, they didn’t give up. Instead, they built something new, not just for Jen, but for many others too. Today, DanceSyndrome runs accessible dance classes, leadership training, and performance opportunities, all led by people with and without disabilities working together.
It was such a powerful and moving story, and it really made me reflect on my own approach to inclusion at Roarsome Sport.
As I’ve talked to parents over the past year, one thing has become very clear: there’s no single “right” way to approach inclusion. Every child is unique, and so are the environments in which they thrive.
Some parents, like Jen’s, want their children to be integrated into mainstream activities as much as possible. And I truly believe we’re making progress as a society in making that a reality. Educators, coaches, and activity leaders are more aware, more accepting, and better equipped to support children with additional needs than ever before.
On the other hand, I know many parents who feel that dedicated spaces, like our monthly SEND-specific sport session, are the best way to meet their child’s needs. These sessions are calmer, more predictable, and often feel safer, for both the children and their parents. There’s comfort in being surrounded by families who understand, and in knowing there’s no judgment.
At Roarsome Sport, I want to make space for both.
Whether your child joins one of our Sunday morning multi-sport sessions or comes along to our SEND session, my promise is the same: they will be welcomed, supported, and encouraged. I’m not an expert, but I’m learning, listening, and working hard to create an environment where all children can access the joy of movement and sport.
So if you’ve been sitting on the fence about joining us because of additional needs, please know: I’d love to chat. Let’s talk about your child’s needs and how we can work together to make sport a positive experience.
And if you’re already one of our wonderful Roarsome families, thank you. Your feedback and support help me grow this community into something even more inclusive.
Inclusion isn’t one path, it’s about meeting each child where they are and helping them move forward. And that’s exactly what we aim to do here at Roarsome Sport.