Inclusive Sports

I am an international mixed ability sport (IMAS) trainer and Mixed Ability rugby player. My journey started at my local rugby club, Aldwinians RUFC, near Manchester, England.

I always liked rugby, but never had the chance to play. One day, I got talking to Chris Stone, who was the rugby director for Aldwinians, and also worked for the Yorkshire Rugby Football Union. He mentioned how he assisted the creation of two Mixed Ability teams in Yorkshire, the Bumble Bees Barbarians and Halifax Magpies. Then he invited me to play Mixed Ability rugby in Bradford, so I went and played. I really enjoyed it and this is how it started. Playing Mixed Ability rugby makes me feel really included in sport.

A few years ago, I became part of the IMAS Inclusion in Sport Coproduction Group. I am proud to be an IMAS trainer. My aim is to set up more Mixed Ability sports in the Northwest, and get the message out there that you can try any sport, whatever your ability is. I want to help break down barriers in sport. In my role, I have delivered training to many sports clubs in my region, helped set up new Mixed Ability activities like squash, and have travelled abroad. I have even met Mayor Andy Burnham to get his endorsement for Mixed Ability sports across Greater Manchester. I am very good at talking to my local politicians to get things to happen.

For the future, I want to help get national funding into Mixed Ability sports. I would also like to be an international world board chair for Mixed Ability sports. I believe that everyone should be included.