TRY. PLAY. BELONG.
The backbone of Sports Society Inc.
This is why we exist, why we are here, and what we'll achieve!
“We believe all children, young people and families deserve clear, welcoming and accessible pathways into sport and physical activity — allowing them to experience the lifelong benefits of connection, confidence, wellbeing and community.”
Sports Society is a community movement that uses sport to strengthen lives and communities.
Through the advocacy of sport and physical activity, the lives of children, young people and families all deserve to be enhanced, enriched and broadened.
We understand, all parents face different barriers depending on their own set of circumstances at the time, with some seeming completely unattainable, whilst others are more problematic. Whatever the barrier, there is a consequential effect on the other side, which may change, or negatively impact, the family fabric or in a personal, individual capacity.
The unique geographic outlay of the Northern Rivers, and the impact of life-changing events, many children and young people across our regional communities were missing out on the benefits of sport and physical activity.
Many families face barriers including cost, confidence, transport, social anxiety, neurodivergent challenges, limited local opportunities, or negative previous sporting experiences.
We believe all kids deserve the opportunity and benefits of community sport, and on the flip-side, our sporting organisations need the participation of kids, of all shapes, sizes, ages, genders, cultural differences, personal challenges, and everything else, that gives us each our unique differences.
What we've seen...
Through years of coaching and community engagement across the Northern Rivers, we saw many children who wanted to participate but struggled to find accessible environments where they felt comfortable, supported or included.
We also saw schools, sporting clubs and families wanting more flexible and community-focused participation opportunities.
"Many local sporting organisations simply do not have the volunteers, time, or funds, to reach our diverse regions and their communities"
What we now know...
Kids thrive in different sporting environments.
For some, the team atmosphere feels safe. Kids see themselves with friends running around, cheering each other and excited to score goals or win games together.
Others may prefer smaller groups sports, such as basketball, allowing more space to play, with a quieter environment to learn with team-mates.
We know partnered sports are enjoyed in the games of tennis or volleyball, where kids work closely with a supportive and encouraging friend, and with the backing of an outer club/association.
Some kids will ultimately love the personal challenge of individual sports, where their own achievement and skill development is in their total control.
One on one duals like in the sport of Marital Arts allows kids to channel and measure their personal bests against single competitors at a time.
Some children simply love to move — running, jumping, climbing, throwing, dancing, exploring and being active in ways that feel fun, free and natural to them.
At Sports Society, we believe every child should have the chance to discover the kind of sport, activity or movement that helps them feel happy, confident and included.
What we believe...
Sport is about far more than competition.
At its best, sport can help children and young people:
- build confidence,
- create friendships,
- improve emotional wellbeing,
- develop resilience,
- stay physically active,
- and feel part of something positive within their community.
For many children, sport becomes a place where they feel accepted, supported and capable.
It becomes a place where they belong.
What We Do Differently...
Sports Society is not focused solely on elite performance or competition.
Our focus is on:
- participation,
- inclusion,
- wellbeing,
- confidence,
- connection,
- and long-term community engagement.
We aim to create positive sporting experiences where children feel:
- safe,
- valued,
- encouraged,
- and supported to participate at their own pace.
We believe community sport should be welcoming and accessible for everyone — regardless of ability, background or personal circumstance.
Strengthening Grassroots Sport
Sports Society exists to support and strengthen grassroots community sport throughout the Northern Rivers.
We believe stronger communities are built when:
- schools,
- sporting clubs,
- families,
- coaches,
- volunteers,
- and community organisations
work together to create positive pathways for children and young people.
Our goal is not to replace existing sporting organisations, but to help build stronger participation, stronger connections and more inclusive opportunities across the wider community.
SPORT - A Super-Power for Neurodivergent Individuals
Many children experience enormous benefits through movement, routine, connection and supportive participation environments. Through thoughtful and inclusive delivery approaches, sport can become a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing, confidence and social connection.
At Sports Society, we are committed to creating environments where children and families feel welcomed, understood and supported.
Because inclusion is not simply about participation.