Leading Inclusively 33
Kelly Ostler-Coyle’ s All Stars Cricket experience
© Kelly Ostler-Coyle
“ We had taken my son, Aidan, to rugby in the past which was not successful. He didn ' t like the noise, the feel of the grass, the cold mud, and the children that he didn ' t know. Lots of rules that he didn ' t understand. He ' s never really wanted to partake in team sports. He prefers things like riding his bike where he ' s on his own.
“ When we heard about All Stars via some other school friends, Aidan was adamant that he wanted to give it a go. We had no expectations and I contacted Luke [ the local activator ] to let him know that Aidan was going but has autism, Tourette’ s and possible ADHD. It wasn ' t any problem and we were welcomed along.
“ Aidan had never caught or hit a ball( he’ s six years old) before, so I had no idea what would happen. Aidan spent a lot of time in his own world, and not always doing what had been asked. But he turned up every week and not because we told him to. One week we ' d had something else on before cricket and I asked him if he wanted to give it a miss but he wanted to go. If that had been anything else, the first opportunity to get out of it he would have taken.
“ Aidan grew in confidence each week, he liked seeing his school friends and socialising as well as playing cricket. He felt part of something. But no one every forced him or made a big deal if he wasn ' t doing what he should be doing. He had virtually no anxiety. Luke and Shona [ the other coach ] really understood him. Shona has the patience of a saint. I even saw him hit a ball!
“ Aidan always felt included, he didn ' t have to conform and try to be“ normal” to take part and have fun. He got so much out of it and we are all looking forward to next season.”