Disabled kids in ‘first’ AFL study

World-first Geelong research will investigate whether playing footy can help children overcome “developmental challenges”, Deakin University has announced.
The university said Moose Toys had donated $1 million for the study that would “break down the barriers” preventing children with conditions such as autism, ADHD and intellectual disabilities from playing sport.
The AFL would help conduct the research under Deakin Child Study Centre director Professor Nicole Rinehart, Deakin said.
“It is well-documented that team sports and physical activity are protective factors for children and have long-lasting benefits to health, yet access to sport is not a level playing field in Australia,” Prof Rinehart said.
“Parents of children with disabilities are still receiving advice along the lines of ‘your child will never be able to play team sports, perhaps pick a solitary sport’.”
The study would have “an enormous impact on our community where disability is associated with disadvantage, low expectations, exclusions, obesity, poor school attendance and poor mental health”, Prof Rinehart said.
“With the evidence we gather it is possible that in the near future clinicians will prescribe team sports as a key intervention for children diagnosed with a developmental challenge.
“This will be a real game changer for Australian sport.”
Deakin said the ALLPlay study program will “kick off” next month with a national survey.
“The survey will capture the voice and lived experience of children, parents, and coaches from around Australia and set the scene for the co-design of the ALLPlay toolkit that will provide resources for all children, coaches and parents for all sports.”
The AFL was excited about helping “all children” play footy, said game and market development general manager Simon Lethlean.
“One in five Australian children will have a developmental challenge ranging from a minor to a major difficulty and it’s important that our activities and programs are accessible to everyone,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with the Deakin Child Study Centre to break down the barriers to include children with disabilities.”
Moose Toys’ Belinda Gruebner said the company hoped the study would have widespread benefits.
“We are very proud to support this world-first initiative and are highly motivated by the results of the research positively impacting children in Australia and internationally.”