Our experience has led us to understand that coaching football for Neurodiverse players requires a thoughtful, structured, and flexible approach that considers their unique strengths and challenges.
The following are the key guidelines that form the foundation of our approach to coaching:
1. Communication & Instruction
- Clear, concise language – We use simple and direct instructions, trying to avoid metaphors or ambiguous phrases.
- Visual aids – We know that diagrams, videos, and demonstration-based learning can be more effective than verbal instructions alone and will try to implement them where possible
- Step-by-step guidance – We look to break down skills into smaller, manageable steps
- Consistent terminology – We use the same words for specific actions to avoid confusion.
- Check for understanding – We may ask our players to repeat instructions back or demonstrate them to ensure they understand what we are asking and facilitate better levels of inclusion into the session.
2. Structure & Routine
- Predictability – We often keep training sessions structured and consistent to reduce anxiety, any change is done so with care and preparation
- Clear schedules – Our sessions are at the same time every week, in the same location
- Transition signals – We look to use verbal or visual cues to indicate changes between activities during the sessions
3. Sensory Considerations
- Manage sensory input – We try to avoid using loud whistles and excessive shouting as we know this might be overwhelming.
- Provide quiet spaces – Space permitting we look to offer a designated area where players can take breaks if overstimulated or have issues with emotional regulation
- Allow sensory tools – We are in full support of our players that may benefit from wearing ear defenders or using fidget items before or after training
4. Social & Emotional Support
- Encourage teamwork with structure – We work in stage driven groups that have defined activities
- Respect personal space – We understand that some players may be uncomfortable with physical contact
- Positive reinforcement – We always use encouragement and praise to build confidence in our players
- Be patient and flexible – We understand that players may have different reactions to stress or frustration and will always take this into account where possible
5. Coaching Techniques
- Focus on strengths – Our coaches will always look to Identify and develop individual skills within our drills, activities and games – no two children are the same
- Visual demonstration – Where possible we will model skills rather than relying only on verbal instruction.
- Use repetition – We know that our players often benefit from familiar drills and pattern learning
6. Game Day & Competitive Play
- Prepare in advance – Where we have a match, we make sure we explain match rules, locations, and routines well ahead of time.
- Support transitions – We look to help players manage changes in schedule or environment as we know this can be challenging
- Coping strategies – We encourage players parents to share any coping strategies they use with their child that may help us when coaching
7. Parent & Support Network Involvement
- Engage parents/caregivers – Autistic FC places a heavy emphasis on engaging parents and caregivers as we know this can provide valuable insights into the player’s needs.
- Encourage peer support – we encourage teammates on inclusivity and how to support their fellow neurodiverse players.