Taking an individual approach to inclusion
Know your members
To get the most out of each individual and to support them fully, it is important to get to know them, especially those who are new to the Club. Understanding their motivations, abilities, and needs will help when planning sessions, selecting roles for volunteers and also ensuring everyone is fully included and challenged at the right level.
New member induction
Ensuring new members feel welcomed and included from the very start is essential in creating an inclusive environment.
Consider who is welcoming a new player and parent or volunteer for the first time and what that first communication should look like to ensure their first contact with your Club is welcoming, positive and friendly. New members can attend an introductory welcome meeting whether it’s face-to-face before training or virtually where they can receive a new member pack and can discuss any support requirements or individual needs they may have, along with being added to any Club communication channels etc.
A good approach with any new member who doesn’t already know others at the Club is to ask an existing member to act as their ‘mentor’ or ‘buddy’, they can show them around your venue and introduce them to other people.
You can use the Welcoming a New Member Checklist Template to help create your own Welcome Pack!
download Welcoming a New Member Checklist Template
