Belgravia Foundation is proudly working with Valley District Cricket Club, Australia’s largest cricket Club,  to support the collection of outcome measures related to their grass roots inclusive cricket program for children with a disability.

In 2019, Valley District Cricket Club noticed an increasing need to provide modified cricket experiences for those who were missing out on mainstream programming, and that’s when the All Abilities Program was launched.

The All Abilities Program provides tailored introductory sporting opportunities for children with an intellectual disability to help develop and progress fundamental motor skills, whilst also promoting social interactions, fun, friendship and a sense of belonging. These learnt and practiced skills can translate into enjoying activities at home, school and in the wider community.

Karen Willis, Junior Game Development Coordinator at Valley District Cricket Club says “Giving these kids an opportunity to participate in an inclusive and safe environment with coaches that understand their specific needs is the most important aspect to the entire program. Seeing the smiles and excitement on the faces of these children is just priceless and makes the hard work of launching the program absolutely worth it.”

Anecdotal evidence from participants, families, coaches and support crew suggest the Valley District Cricket Club All Abilities Program is having an important impact on participants and it is expected that benefits may also extend to all involved; families, club members, coaches and sponsors.

Belgravia Foundation connected with Karen to offer help in developing a suite of online surveys to systematically gather responses from families of participants about their views on the impact that has been occurring for participants, as well as any impact occurring for the adult family members.  A third and fourth online survey has been designed to gather feedback from coaches and sponsors.

Belgravia Foundation CEO, Dr Jeff Walkley, has overseen the creation of the surveys. Dr Walkley said, “Importantly, these surveys have been designed using appropriate research procedures to ensure the desired, and intended outcomes for participants, families, coaches and sponsors are what is measured and analysed.”

“With information from the surveys, Valley District Cricket Club will have at its fingertips information to share with existing and prospective participant families, contributors, sponsors and funding bodies,” Dr Jeff Walkley said.

Valley District Cricket Club intends to sustainably grow the All Abilities Program to be able to support a greater number of participants in the region. Karen Willis believes the information gathered from these surveys will help them achieve their goals “With grant funding and sponsorships being harder to secure, having qualitative data to support the outcomes we are achieving for all involved will be critical.”

For further information about the All Abilities Program at Valley District Cricket Club, click here to visit their website or email the Club at allabilities@valleycricket.org.au