Being Inclusive is Essential: Equity in Youth Sport
with Dr. Annette Stride
In a powerful episode of the ICK Podcast, Dr. Annette Stride from Leeds Beckett University joins host Dr. Gary Hodgson to explore the critical importance of inclusion in youth sport. Drawing on her research and lived experience, Dr. Stride offers a compelling call to action for coaches, clubs, and organisations to make sport truly accessible and welcoming for all children.
Inclusion Is Not Optional
Dr. Stride begins by challenging the idea that inclusion is a “nice-to-have.” Instead, she frames it as an essential responsibility for anyone working with young people. Sport has the potential to be a transformative experience—but only if every child feels seen, valued, and safe.
She highlights that exclusion in sport can take many forms: from inaccessible facilities and financial barriers to subtle cultural norms that make some children feel unwelcome. Coaches must be aware of these dynamics and actively work to dismantle them.
Understanding the Barriers
One of the key insights from the episode is the need to understand the barriers that prevent participation. Dr. Stride encourages coaches to ask questions like:
Who is not here—and why?
What assumptions are we making about who “belongs” in this space?
How can we adapt our practices to be more inclusive?
She stresses that inclusion is not just about inviting more people in—it’s about changing the environment so that everyone can thrive.
Practical Steps for Coaches
Dr. Stride offers several practical strategies for coaches to foster inclusion:
Listen and Learn: Engage with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Understand their needs and experiences.
Adapt and Flex: Be willing to modify activities, language, and expectations to suit different abilities and identities.
Challenge Norms: Question traditional practices that may exclude or marginalise certain groups.
Create Safe Spaces: Ensure that all children feel emotionally and physically safe, both on and off the field.
She also emphasises the importance of representation—children need to see people like themselves in coaching roles, leadership positions, and promotional materials.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Annette Stride’s message is clear: inclusion is not a box to tick—it’s a mindset and a commitment. Coaches have the power to shape environments where every child feels they belong. By embracing inclusive practices, we not only enrich sport—we change lives.
Want to discover more of her work? You can follow Annette on Twitter
Contirbutor:
Dr. Annette Stride
Annette is a Reader in Physical Education at Leeds Beckett Univeristy. She is also Course Director in the Physical Education Academic Group where she teaches on, and oversees provision of, the Physical Education undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Her teaching is underpinned by research with a social justice agenda. Prior to embarking upon a career in education Annette worked in a number of positions in the sport industry, working for various public, private and voluntary sector organisations. She began teaching in 1996, working in three major further education providers before taking the Head of Physical Education, Recreation and Public Services position at Bradford College. In 2007 Annette joined the University as a recipient of one of the University’s Centenary PhD Bursaries and in 2009 was appointed to the full time staff.
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