Every now and then in a Roarsome Sport session, something happens that reminds me exactly why I do what I do.
This summer term, I’ve been working with a little girl in one of my school-based sports sessions. She’s autistic and has found joining in very difficult. For weeks, she stood on the sidelines—watching, sometimes edging a little closer, but rarely participating.
We tried everything—gentle encouragement, support from trusted staff, familiar routines, consistent structure. And while we saw glimmers of curiosity, they were fleeting.
But this week? Something shifted.
We were learning some basic hockey skills, and for the first time in ten weeks, she joined in, of her own accord.
She picked up a stick. She hit the ball. She smiled.
And just like that, she was part of the activity—engaged, focused, and willing to try.
Now, I can’t say for sure what changed.
Maybe hockey was the sport that sparked something.
Maybe the classroom setting felt safer than the usual hall.
Or maybe—most likely—it was just time.
Ten weeks of trust-building. Ten weeks of predictability, familiarity, and patient support that finally gave her the confidence to step in.
And it reminded me of something so important:
Progress isn’t linear. Especially for our neurodivergent children.
But actually, for any child—progress doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.
🌱 Progress Comes in Glimmers
Whether you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child or not, you’ve probably had moments like this:
- Your child who avoids messy play suddenly chooses to get stuck in.
- A child who never wanted to try sport suddenly starts sprinting for a ball.
- The walk that used to end in tears now ends with laughter.
These small moments are easy to miss. But they’re powerful.
They’re the quiet victories that tell us that our children are learning, are growing, are becoming more confident in their own time.
As a children’s sports coach, I see it often. The ones who’ve been coming for months sometimes make sudden leaps. Their balance improves. They shoot hoops with better technique. They start encouraging others in their team.
It’s not magic. It’s the compound effect of small, consistent effort.
🟡 Why We Do Things Differently at Roarsome Sport
At Roarsome Sport, our aim isn’t just to teach sport—it’s to help every child feel capable and confident moving their body.
Whether it’s in a mainstream multi-sport session, a SEND-friendly activity group, or a school-based activity, we create spaces where:
- Progress is celebrated in every form—not just goals scored.
- Children are supported at their pace, with flexible and inclusive coaching.
- Teamwork and social interaction are gently encouraged, not forced.
- Competition is about personal growth, not outperforming others.
Because for some children, success looks like scoring a goal.
For others, it looks like joining in for the first time in ten weeks.
💛 A Reminder for Parents
If you’re a parent reading this—especially one who’s been worried that your child isn’t “sporty” or isn’t making progress quickly enough—please take heart.
Even when it feels slow or invisible, something is happening.
Your child is learning.
Your child is changing.
And with the right support and encouragement, they will get there—in their own way, and in their own time.
Here’s to the quiet moments, the unexpected breakthroughs, and the kids who surprise us every day. 💪
Interested in supporting your SEND child’s movement this summer?
Check out the Sensory Movement Toolkit, it’s full of activities to try at home which support regulation. get your free download here.