Building your connections through sport

Sport might look like an individual activity at times, but very few people succeed entirely on their own. 

Behind every athlete or participant is a network of people providing encouragement, advice, practical support and opportunities to grow. Whether it's family, friends, teammates, coaches, support workers or mentors, these relationships can play an important role in helping us build confidence, stay connected and achieve our goals. 

Just as sport can strengthen our support networks, strong support networks can also make it easier to participate in sport and community life. 

Our support networks play various roles in our lives, so it's only natural that we would rely on different people for different needs. In this article, we'll look at who might be part of your network, how these relationships can support you, and ways to build meaningful connections through sport and community participation. 

Expanding your network 

Sport is a powerful way to meet new people and build confidence, and it can introduce you to people you may never otherwise meet - from teammates and coaches to volunteers, officials and fellow participants. Along the way, these connections can become an important part of your broader support network. 

Sport helps expand your network, find like-minded people, and connect with your community. This includes: 

One of the unique things about sport is the opportunity to connect with people who understand your experiences and share your interests. These shared experiences can create meaningful friendships and a strong sense of belonging. 

Learning from others 

Working with a coach   

Whether you play on a social, competitive or professional level, everyone can benefit from the support and experience of a good coach. Most come from athletic backgrounds themselves and have a wealth of knowledge.   

More than training your body to take on physical challenges or gain new skills, coaches can also train you to develop a healthy mindset. This helps you stay focused on what is important: Achieving your goals, having fun and doing your best.   

Finding mentors  

 Often, we need help to continue and improve on our sports journey. There is only so much we can learn on our own, so adding mentors to our support network is a great way to fill knowledge or skill gaps.  

 Finding role models  

While often not directly part of your network, having a sports role model (or several) is a great way to stay motivated on your journey.  

 Examples of this:  

 Seeing someone with your disability or classification succeeding in their sporting journey can be hugely empowering – even more so if you are trying to motivate kids, as it shows them how many wonderful possibilities can result from giving things a go. 

Strengthening your support network 

Family and friends  

 These people are already present in your life, but some might not be as close or involved as you would like. To strengthen these interpersonal relationships, think about:  

Sometimes reaching out to people we already know for support or a deeper connection can feel more daunting than reaching out to new people. However, having open communication is essential for developing and maintaining relationships – and you might be surprised by how easy it is to do once you have taken the first step.  

Online support networks  

 You can stay connected or find new communities online. If you don’t have much available in your local area, especially if you live rurally, forums or groups can be a great resource.  

 Your online support network might include:  

Maintaining relationships 

A good rule of thumb is to be the kind of friend you want to have. This might look like celebrating successes as they occur, being available for support, and respecting any boundaries. 

For your less personal relationships, you can follow the same general trend of mutual respect and open communication. That way there is a clear idea across the board about needs and expectations. 

Building community with your NDIS supports 

A key part of goal setting in the NDIS typically revolves around social and community participation. This involves meeting people with similar interests, joining community or social activities, and choosing activities you enjoy.  

These activities can develop your confidence, independence, and skills - which can improve other areas of your life as well. NDIS plans often include goals related to community participation, and the scheme provides funding for activities and supports that help you achieve these goals. 

Depending on your circumstances and goals, this may include supports such as: 

Sport is a very common and social way to get out into your community and make new connections, while also being great for your health by promoting movement and interaction. 

If community participation is important to you, speaking with your support network who understands the NDIS can help you figure out what options may be available for your individual circumstances.