Sport Welfare Officer Franky shared some learning she took from a visit with a local rounders club this week, all of which are small, practical actions clubs can take to help participants feel welcome and included.
Franky said;
“What a lovely bunch of women the Hundall Hitters Rounders Club are. During my visit this week I met Rachael, Club Secretary and National Engagement Manager at England Rounders. She explained that the club has been running for four seasons and now has around 20 members aged from early 20’s to over 65 (members can start from 16yrs of age but there are no limits upwards). Hundall Hitters are a female only club.
“They play at Hundall Cricket ground during the summer and move to an indoor leisure centre in the colder winter months.
“I saw some really good practice that I wanted to share with you:
- I was introduced to the team, so everybody knew who I was and why I was there.
- Rachel offered a briefing at the beginning of the session highlighting health and safety and asked about injuries that needed to be considered as part of training.
- The first aider made everyone aware that she was the person responsible for that session and shared where the first aid kit was.
- Before all of that, informal and friendly conversations were held checking everyone was OK to play.
“Among other volunteer roles, Hundall Hitters have a Social Events Coordinator. Team social events happen once a month and in-between they have a Facebook page and weekly sessions to keep in touch…..making this club very sociable. Rachel shared that they did have someone start at the club a while back with high-levels of anxiety but once they had met the team and after their first social meet up, the member felt a lot better and less anxious…. this is the power of having a happy, fun and caring club!
“Great to meet you all and I am definitely playing next time I come.”
