Bristol Rugby Club Becomes First in England to Appoint Neurodiversity Coach

A rugby club in Bristol has become the first in England to employ a neurodiversity coach, aiming to enhance the wellbeing of its players. Investigations conducted by Dings Crusaders RFC, located in Lockleaze, Bristol, revealed that 35% of its players either identify as neurodivergent or have received a neurodivergence diagnosis. Jacob Kelly has been added to the club’s coaching staff to provide assistance to neuro-divergent athletes. Mr. Kelly stated that a primary challenge for the players he supports is frequently low self-esteem, which, if addressed, has the potential to “far outshine what we do on the pitch.” He elaborated, “If we tackle that, that has a long lasting, positive effect on things like mental health outcomes, social confidence and how we move in society.” He further noted, “If you look at people like Michael Jordan – he has ADHD – and one of the most successful gymnasts, Simone Biles – she has ADHD – so we know if you can manage it well and put those things in place people can do amazing things,” adding, “That’s what we want to do here.” Neurodivergence describes a condition where an individual’s brain functions, acquires knowledge, or acts in ways that deviate from what is typically expected. Common diagnoses within this spectrum include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Anya Steel, a player who joined Dings Crusaders RFC a month ago, commented that the club ensured her ADHD diagnosis was perceived as “a celebrated thing and not something to be afraid of.” She explained, “The most important thing is it opens up a conversation for me to say – I’m struggling with this because of my ADHD.” She continued, “It’s something that’s taken into account from a neuro-divergent perspective.” Ms. Steel also remarked, “I think a lot of neuro-divergent people find a safe space within sports, so having things in place is super important to those players’ games, their lives and just the game as a whole.” She concluded, “It’s making sure that players with slightly different brains are going to have the same opportunities as our neurotypical counterparts.” Rebecca Bird, who serves as both a manager and player and joined the club three seasons prior, stated that Mr. Kelly’s position is crucial for maintaining clear communication channels between athletes and coaches. She observed, “He’s got a really good understanding of how we feel and is able to communicate that back to the club.” Ms. Bird added, “I think historically, a lot of people have been seen as difficult and it’s not that – we’re different and it’s about managing individuals in a group and making sure all learning styles fit.” She further noted, “That’s what Jacob has been really, really good with and really supportive.” She concluded by saying, “We’re proud to be a team where everyone fits in.” Sam MacDonald, whose two daughters, Roxy and Danielle, play at the club, informed the BBC that the club’s coaches had identified neuro-divergent characteristics in her daughter Roxy and subsequently offered to collaborate with her. Ms. MacDonald remarked, “It really does help that they understand her.” She continued, “They can see when things are changing and things are getting difficult.” She also mentioned, “Jacob works with the coaches quite closely on recognising those triggers as well and how that can be managed.” Ms. MacDonald attributed Roxy’s progression onto the England Rugby Development Pathways and her current participation with the England PDG under-18s to this support. She added, “It’s meant that her rugby has progressed, which is her passion.” A spokesperson for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) commented, “Providing an environment that is inclusive and tailored for its neuro-diverse players is key to ensuring they enjoy their time on the pitch and learn in a way that is right for them.” The spokesperson further stated, “By bringing in a neurodiversity coach, Dings Crusaders RFC is clearly looking to provide a learning environment that recognises the different and unique ways in which people learn.” They concluded, “It’s great to see clubs putting provision in place to support the players who will benefit from it.”