Bold Minds, Big Hearts: Supporting Neurodiversity Inclusion in Our Local Rugby Community
- Alice Cantwell
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
What It Means to Me to Support Weston Rugby
When I see my Bold Minds ND billboard proudly displayed at Weston Rugby Club, it’s more than a business placement; it’s a symbol of what community, belonging, and inclusion mean to me and my family.
Weston Rugby has always been about more than the game itself. It’s a heartbeat of the town, where families, friends and neighbours gather week after week. You’ll see the players giving their all on the pitch, the little ones running around with muddy boots, parents cheering (sometimes louder than the players!), and the Weston Roses showing their strength, resilience and passion for the sport. It’s a place where generations meet; old and young, experienced and new — and where everyone, in their own way, finds connection.
For me, being part of that matters deeply.
Most weeks (we are fair weather supporters!), I take Milo down to watch his daddy play. He’s still little, but already adores rugby; he’s happiest when there’s a ball in his hand and someone to tackle! Watching him on the sidelines, laughing and learning what it means to be part of a team, I can’t help but think about the kind of world I want him to grow up in.
I want him to grow up in a family-friendly, neuro-affirming and inclusive world; one that values every child, celebrates difference, prioritises neurodiversity inclusion and makes sure everyone feels like they belong. And for us, Weston Rugby is a little piece of that world right here in our community.
Why It’s Personal
I’ll be honest, I’m not a particularly sporty person myself! But Weston Rugby means far more to me than sport ever could.
It means something because of what I’ve seen in Chris, my fiancé. Over the years, I’ve watched him not only play but also manage teams, present at award nights, and pour his heart into helping others. He’s late-diagnosed dyslexic and likely ADHD, and school was never an easy place for him. But rugby, and the community around it, has given him something that traditional systems didn’t: a space to lead, create, and thrive.
I’ve seen him go from a player to a mentor, from managing teams to now launching a pre-school and toddler rugby group, helping the next generation fall in love with the game. He’s the type to quietly go the extra mile; giving players spare boots when they can’t afford them, spending hours planning sessions, and making sure everyone feels included (adults or children).
Through all of this, I’ve seen the power of community and neuro-affirming support in action. When people are valued for their strengths, when they’re allowed to show up as themselves, incredible things happen. Chris is proof of that, and so are so many others at the club.
Bold Minds ND x Weston Rugby: Shared Values, Neurodiversity Inclusion
That’s why seeing Bold Minds ND up on that billboard feels so right. Because what I do, helping people understand their neurodivergent brains, diagnosed or not. is rooted in the same values that make this club so special: belonging, connection and understanding.
At Bold Minds ND, I work with adults, parents, children, businesses schools and charities who want to understand themselves or the people they support better; their strengths, their needs, their differences — and to navigate life in a way that feels affirming and empowering. Many of them, like Chris and myself, were misunderstood or overlooked in school. Many grew up masking, struggling, or being told they weren’t “trying hard enough.”
But what I know, both personally and professionally as a an autism and ADHD assessor, is that when we stop forcing people to fit into narrow boxes and start celebrating every kind of mind, people flourish. They lead, they create, they contribute and they bring out the best in those around them.
And that’s what Weston Rugby does too. It’s a club that embraces community — where everyone, from the players to the supporters, from the 1sts, the Vets, the Roses to the minis, plays a part.
Building the Future We Want Our Kids to Grow Up In
When I see Milo watching from the sidelines, waving and cheering on his daddy, I feel proud. Proud that he’s growing up surrounded by people who look out for one another. Proud that he’s seeing examples of teamwork, kindness and effort. And proud that he will be part of a club that represents something bigger, a sense of belonging and community spirit that goes beyond the game.
One day, he might decide to play rugby himself. Or maybe he won’t. Either way, I want him to know that there’s a place for him; whoever he is, however his brain works, however he chooses to show up in the world.
Supporting Weston Rugby isn’t just about sport for us; it’s about standing for inclusion, family and the belief that everyone deserves to be understood and valued.
So when I see that Bold Minds ND billboard on the sidelines, I don’t just see a business logo. I see our story, our values and our hope for a more inclusive world — one where every child, every parent, every player, and every supporter feels like they belong.
Simple Strategies for Inclusive, Neuro-Affirming Clubs and Teams
Start with Awareness and Curiosity 🧠
Encourage conversations about neurodiversity. Offer brief training sessions or share resources that help members understand autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurodivergent experiences. Awareness builds empathy and empathy builds inclusion. Weston Rugby club has a mandatory neurodiversity training (created by the RFU) for all coaches.
Use Clear Communication 💬
Keep instructions, schedules, and expectations simple and consistent. Use both spoken and written formats when possible (e.g., follow up verbal announcements with a message or post). Predictability helps everyone feel secure and supported.
Create Calm, Accessible Spaces 🌿
Designate a quiet area or chill-out space where players, families, or children can go if things feel overwhelming (in training, matches or events). This normalises regulation, reduces shame and helps people stay connected without burning out.
Offer Flexibility and Understanding 🤝
Recognise that focus, energy, and communication styles vary. Be open to small adjustments; extra processing time, alternative roles, or breaks when needed. Flexibility isn’t special treatment; it’s equity in action.
Celebrate Strengths, Not Just Performance 🌟
Acknowledge teamwork, creativity, empathy, and perseverance just as much as skill or speed. When clubs value diverse strengths, everyone contributes and belongs.
Promote Inclusive Social Culture 🏉
Make sure social events and communication styles cater to all. For example, offer quieter seating areas, avoid excessive sensory environments, and check that jokes or banter don’t exclude or overwhelm people.
Encourage Mentorship and Role Modelling 💗
Pair younger or new members with supportive mentors. Neurodivergent individuals often thrive when they see others like them succeeding — it builds confidence, hope, and community connection.
Review Club Policies and Language 🔍
Use affirming, person-first or identity-first language depending on individual preference. Avoid deficit-based terms like “disorder” or “problem behaviours.” Instead, talk about needs, strengths, and support.
Invite Feedback and Listen 👂
Ask members — players, families, and supporters what inclusion looks like for them. Keep an open, non-judgmental feedback loop so everyone feels heard and valued.
Lead with Compassion ❤️
Inclusivity starts with attitude. A culture of kindness, patience, and respect will always be more powerful than perfection
Let’s Build a Club Where Every Mind Belongs
Every team, every coach, every supporter has a part to play in creating a community that celebrates difference.
Whether it’s changing how you communicate, adding a quiet space, or just showing curiosity instead of judgment; small shifts make a big difference.
Let’s make our clubs places where everyone; players, parents and future generations — feels safe, seen, and supported.
Because when every kind of mind feels they belong, everyone wins.
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