Sense Team Sports

🌟 Thank You, Erin 🌟

After nearly five transformative years at the forefront of Sense Rugby NZ, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Erin, as the Sense Rugby NZ General Manager. Erin has been the cornerstone of bringing Sense Rugby from Australia to Aotearoa in 2019, with a vision to provide disabled tamariki and rangatahi in New Zealand high-quality sports opportunities.

Starting with a small trial in Wellington at the end of 2019, Erin, alongside the founding board of trustees, established the Sense Rugby (New Zealand) Trust in July 2020. Fast forward to 2024, and the Sense Rugby NZ programs now reach hundreds of young people annually across 14 locations, thanks to Erin’s passionate, determined, and courageous leadership.

Erin has been instrumental in setting up Sense Rugby NZ and we wanted to acknowledge her commitment and passion to this program.

Thank you Erin from Australia, we wish you all the very best in your new role at Sense Rugby NZ 💫

Payment Plans now available for Sense Team Sports Providers 💫

We've been listening to your feedback, and we're thrilled to announce that Sense Team Sports is now offering flexible payment plans for some of our upfront costs!

Our goal is to make our programs more accessible to everyone who shares our passion for sports and inclusivity.

By introducing these payment options, we aim to align our programs with the needs of our community, ensuring that more people can join our team and experience the benefits of Sense Team Sports.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of families and kids across Australia and New Zealand.

Get in touch today to learn more and start your journey with Sense Team Sports in Rubgy or AFL 🏉

Looking for a Sense Team Sports provider near you? It's easy!

Click the “Our Locations” link in our bio.

Enter your postcode to find a provider near you!

We're so proud to be expanding our reach, with providers now in various locations across Australia and New Zealand.

Our mission is to make our programs accessible to children in as many locations as possible!

🏉 Join Sense Rugby with Super Groms OT 🏉

Looking for a fun, inclusive and therapeutic activity for your child in The Shire in Sydney? Super Groms OT is thrilled to offer Sense Rugby sessions every Tuesday afternoon from 4 to 4:45 pm.

Sense Rugby is more than an inclusive sport opportunity, it’s a rugby based Occupational Therapy program that is designed to help your child be part of groups and teams by using the sensory and social benefits of sport.

Whether your child is a seasoned player or new to the game, our experienced team ensures a supportive and adaptable environment where every child can thrive.

Sense Rugby in the Shire is run by Super Groms OT. Super Groms was founded by Occupational Therapist Justine and Carpenter Lachlan Spencer and is deeply rooted in promoting disability inclusion and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. With a passion for the ocean and its therapeutic benefits, we aim to provide a holistic approach to therapy through Surf Therapy, Ocean Safety, and Surfing.

Justine’s extensive experience in paediatric occupational therapy, coupled with her commitment to community-based intervention, led to the creation of Super Groms OT. We believe in the transformative power of the beach environment and strive to make surfing accessible to all, discreetly and inclusively. Now also incorporating Sense Rugby after seeing the benefits in team-based occupational therapy and incredible results from the sessions.

Join at Southern Districts Rugby Fields for a session filled with fun, teamwork, and skill-building.

Connect with Super Groms OT via their website to enquire www.supergromsot.com.au

Show some support fo this incredible business and provider of Sense Rugby 💫

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Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible Mums!

Today, we celebrate all types of mothers—biological, adoptive, stepmothers, grandmothers, and those who play a motherly role in our lives.

To those longing to be mothers, we see you and acknowledge your journey. To those missing their mothers, we hold you in our hearts. To new mothers and expecting mothers, enjoy your special day today.

A special mention to the amazing mothers in our team at Sense Team Sports and all of the provider Mums and OT’s.

We hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day no matter what today looks like for you.

Looking for a Sense Team Sports provider near you? It’s easy!

1. Click the “Our Locations” link in our bio.
2. Enter your postcode to find a provider near you!

We’re so proud to be expanding our reach, with providers now in various locations across Australia and New Zealand.

Our mission is to make our programs accessible to children in as many locations as possible!

🌟 Join Sense Team Sports as a Provider 🌟

Are you passionate about making a difference in children’s lives through sports? Here’s what you need to do if you would like to become a provider with Sense Team Sports:

For Occupational Therapists:
1️⃣ Complete the online Sense Team Sports modules (6 hours).
2️⃣ Observe a session if available in your area.
3️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the drill videos and equipment.

For Assistants, Volunteers & Coaches:
1️⃣ Complete the online Sense Team Sports modules (1.5 hours).

Join us in providing an inclusive and engaging sports programs for children across Australia and across the seas.

Together, we can make a difference!

Pop us an email at [email protected] to enquire 🏉

Chocolate mode is activated 🍫🐰

Wishing all our families, our team and friends a wonderful Easter long weekend filled with joy, love, and happiness. Whether you're spending time with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or simply relaxing at home, we hope it's a special and relaxing time for you all.

Please note that Sense Team Sports HQ will be closed on Good Friday (15th April) and Easter Monday (18th April) to allow our team to recharge and spend time with their families. We'll be back on Tuesday, 19th April, ready to support you.

From all of us at Sense Team Sports, have a safe and enjoyable Easter break!

Join the Sense Team Sports Family!

Our aim is to utilise team sports, like rugby, rugby league, and AFL, to help kids experience proprioceptive, vestibular, and tactile input in a safe and appropriate format, with an Occupational Therapist present to observe and manage limits.

We bring kids together to work on social-emotional, praxis, and group skills in a meaningful way that directly transfers to their everyday environments.

Sense Team Sports provides families with a "safe-space" to trial a team sport and work on the skills needed to transition into a mainstream sporting team. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for children who may not otherwise engage in sport to experience being part of the sporting community and a sports team.

If you're an Occupational Therapist, run a business that employs OTs, or know an OT who may be interested in becoming a part of the Sense Team Sports family, share this post with them or tag them below!

Sense Team Sports Provider Spotlight: Calm & Connected, Perth WA 🏉

Business Name: Calm & Connected

How long have you been a provider for Sense Rugby? “We became a licensee in 2018. Carlien and Jesse came to Perth for our first launch and it was such a successful day.”

How has the community responded to the programs now available in Perth? "The community response has been incredibly positive. We've developed a strong partnership with Rugby WA, supporting their coaches in understanding strategies to foster inclusion. We have clients who come back regularly each term and run a strong regular group. We've had a client transition into playing mainstream rugby league and two clients transition into the All Abilities adult team which we are extremely proud of."

What programs do you offer? "We offer a regular Sense Rugby group in Harrisdale in Terms 4 and 1 of the school year alongside the Ark Rugby Club. We also run school holiday clinics alongside Rugby WA."

"We've loved integrating Sense Rugby into our camps and therapy sessions as a way of supporting children to transition into our regular rugby group. It's been a rewarding journey, and we're excited to continue making a positive impact in our community through sports-based therapy!"

Thank you so much to the team at Calm & Connected, your dedication and commitment to empowering children through Sense Rugby in Perth is incredible 🌟🏉

Together let’s celebrate different minds 🌟

We’re proud to be supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024!

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.

Together let’s change the narrative to understand, accept, and celebrate neurodiversity!

Warriors 🙌

“Anyone who knows our family knows we have two men with debilitating anxiety.

Both came into this world with a brain that makes them their own worst critic, and they fight day in and day out.

My son Croix has a passion for football that doesn’t quit. He eats, sleeps, and breathes football.

If he’s not playing, he’s practicing. If he’s not practicing, he’s studying plays or watching games (Chiefs for life) or highlights.

This season has been one full of adversity for this kid. He’s quarterbacking our senior’s 5th-grade team, and if I’m going to be frank, he’s taken more hits and been on the bottom of more piles than any mom likes to see.

In the second game of the season, my dude came to the sidelines crying and hyperventilating after taking his first-ever blindside hit.

He was sent over to me where we sat down and analyzed what was happening: headache, stomachache, his face was going numb, and his arms were tingling from the shoulders down.

After getting his breathing under control and talking with one of the coaches, Croix sat for the rest of the game. Our coaches don’t mess around with safety.

We got home, talked it through, and it finally clicked for my husband Michael and me. Croix had his first ever full-fledged panic attack.

We knew we’d be here someday, but I can’t explain the feeling of devastation and heartbreak that enveloped me and Michael.

Our 11-year-old baby was in fight or flight so hardcore that his body was pulling blood from his limbs to support his racing heart.

We talked with Croix and talked some more. We hugged him and loved him and talked some more.

We asked if football was worth this. We asked if he wanted to be done.

His response? A resounding, ‘I LOVE FOOTBALL. I’M PLAYING FOOTBALL.’

Then we went to work. How can we support this kid doing what he loves while supporting mental strength and resilience?

I did a lot of research and talked with people who’ve played elite sports, and we came up with our game plan.

Croix and I now do anxiety meditations. We tap it out. We breathe. We tell ourselves affirmations: ‘I’m safe.’ ‘I’m in control.’ ‘I’m okay.’

So, if you see my child bolting to me from the sidelines, or see him sitting alone with his eyes closed tapping it out, he’s doing the hard work.

He’s fighting the rising panic that’s threatening to debilitate him. He’s mastering the lies his brain tells him.

If you think he’s a wimp, you’ve clearly never experienced true anxiety. If you think he needs to man up, come on over. I’ll show you the tapes of the beatings that he takes and gets back up from, over and over.

My kid knows some people don’t get it, and he’s learned they don’t matter. He’s learned to talk about his anxiety to trusted friends and adults.

He’s learned that many people he cares for struggle, but they just don’t feel comfortable talking about it. He’s working to change that.

This kid is my freaking hero.”

For our best stories, subscribe to Living Better by Love What Matters: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/newsletter/

Shared with permission via Allie Fish

How the programs are run as a Sense Team Sports provider . . .

HOW DOES IT RUN?
Our program is designed to be flexible and adjustable to fit your client population and availability. Whether you choose to run a 6-10 week program during school terms or a holiday intensive program, you have the freedom to tailor the program to meet the needs of your community.

WHY DO PROVIDERS DELIVER SENSE TEAM SPORTS?
Sense Team Sports provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children. By combining occupational therapy principles with sports activities, providers can help children develop physical, emotional, and social skills in a fun and supportive environment.

PROGRAM DETAILS:
Duration: 6-10 week program or holiday intensive program.
Frequency: 1 hour per week “training” session, with the option to offer at least two groups per afternoon.
Location: Typically held at a field, school, or hall, requiring a small space such as ¼ of a rugby field.
Group Size: Maximum 10 kids per hour, dependent on family goals, funding body requirements, and OT/support staff ratios.
Staffing Requirements: An Occupational Therapist and an assistant must be present for every group. All OTs, assistants, sports coaches, and volunteers must be STS-certified.

Thinking about becoming a Sense Team Sports provider?
Contact us today to learn more about becoming a certified provider either via DM or e-mail [email protected]

📸 This photo was taken by our incredible provider at Northern Rivers, NSW

International Women's Day

Today, we're proud to celebrate the incredible women who are part of Sense Team Sports. Our passionate providers, our incredible occupational therapists and our staff, we are honoured to work alongside strong, supportive, and inspiring women who make a positive impact on children's lives every day.

On International Women's Day, we recognise and appreciate the contributions of women in our organisation and beyond. Your hard work, compassion, and dedication is truly inspiring, and we're grateful for the opportunity to learn from each other and grow together.

To all the amazing women at Sense Team Sports and in our community, thank you for your support, your kindness, unwavering commitment and for being YOU. You are the heart and soul of our business, and we're proud to celebrate you today and every day!

Who can become a Sense Team Sports provider?

Are you passionate about empowering children through sports-based Occupational Therapy programs? Join our team as a provider and make a difference in the lives of children with developmental delays and neurodiverse conditions.

Who Can Deliver the Program: We welcome Occupational Therapists and organisations/ businesses employing Occupational Therapists to become providers. One of the key requirements of our program is that an Occupational Therapist is always present during sessions to ensure the highest quality of care and support for every child.

Why Partner With Us:
🏉 Make a meaningful impact in your community by providing inclusive and supportive sports programs.
🏉 Access to training and resources to enhance your skills and knowledge in sports-based therapy.
🏉 Be part of a supportive network of providers dedicated to empowering children of all abilities.
🏉 Take advantage of our established partnerships with local sports bodies, clubs, and organisations.
🏉 Receive expert guidance on setting up successful group programs, with all the groundwork done for you. This includes marketing assistance, group design, administrative support, and clinical guidance.

If you're ready to join us in our mission to create inclusive and supportive environments for children, we'd love to hear from you!

Contact us today to learn more about becoming a Sense Team Sports provider. Together, we can continue to make a difference 💫

Email us at [email protected] or feel free to pop us a DM.

❤️❤️

Respecting fluctuating capacity means accepting inconsistency.

All the text in blue bubbles shows the harmful things that our kids get told when people do not understand or respect their fluctuating capacity.

So what do I mean?

I mean I accept that my kids can’t consistently Do The Things.
Some days they can and other days they don’t have the capacity.

It’s not a question of effort. It’s not them being ‘behavioural’.
It’s a reflection of their sensory systems, emotional systems, fatigue, health, and a ton of other things.

Back in the day I expected consistency.
If I saw my kid do something one day, I would then expect them to do it again the next day.

When they didn’t, I would have a big emotional response.
I would be so unbelievably frustrated. Because surely it was reasonable to expect them to do it again? I mean, they had already shown me they could.

Understanding fluctuating capacity was a game changer.
It was essential to understand that it’s a case of ‘can’t’, not ‘won’t’.

It means I can provide dynamic support to my kids to match their needs. It means I can (usually) do that without the big emotions.

I don’t do it perfectly. Because as you know, I have my own fluctuating capacity to deal with.

I get it wrong some days.
I also get it right some days.

Expecting consistency leads to disappointment, shame, a negative self image. Because many of us can’t perform consistently, despite our best efforts.

Before you come for me, yes, we absolutely still have goals for our kids. We do model the skills, we do scaffold, we do support. We do all that. As our kids mature, we do tend to see all their skills develop- the support they need from us is going to change.

We just do it with empathy. We appreciate the times that they are able to Do The Things, and we don’t presume misbehaviour or noncompliance when they can’t. We meet them where they are at. We support them. And make sure they know they are not alone or a disappointment to their adults.

Does that make sense?
Words are feeling hard right now.

Em

Did you know that anyone can complete our Club & Coach Training . . . This is a chance for ‘non OT’s’ to join us in building a more inclusive sporting community!

Our Club & Coach Training is now in full swing at Sense Team Sports! Tailored for inclusivity, our on-demand modules are designed to equip clubs and coaches with the tools they need to create a welcoming environment for neurodivergent kids.

🔸 Single Coach Training: $449 - Individual coaches gain access to comprehensive training modules, empowering them to create an inclusive and empowering experience for all young athletes.

🔸 Club Training (Access for 10 coaches/DOs): $1490 - Clubs can extend our training to up to 10 coaches or Development Officers, fostering a culture of inclusion throughout their teams.

🔸 Club Training and Ongoing Support: $1990 - Our comprehensive package includes training modules and 2 hours of Occupational Therapy support, offering tailored assistance.

Empower your club and coaching staff to make a difference in the lives of young individuals through team sports. Let’s create a supportive sporting community that’s truly inclusive.
For details and to get started, visit our website or reach out to us directly via DM.

Let’s make a positive impact together!

Meet Kaha Kids Occupational Therapy in Bundaberg, QLD ☀️

Business Name: Kaha Kids Occupational Therapy
Sense Rugby Provider: March 2023

Launch Date: May 2023 (Attended by Jesse in Bundaberg)

Community Response to Programs: The community has embraced our Sense Rugby program wholeheartedly. Despite a modest start with our first group, attended by 6 children, word quickly spread about the program’s benefits. The Term 4 group coincided with the official opening of our OT practice, generating even more interest. Families have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many returning each term. Being the first program of its kind in Bundaberg, we’ve received significant interest and referrals from other local organisations.

Program Offerings:
Sense Rugby Program: Currently offering two afternoon groups for ages 3-6 and 6-12.
School Involvement: Engaging with a local primary school, conducting one group per term during school hours.
In the Future: Exploring the possibility of offering a holiday program to further benefit the community.

Community Engagement: This year, we plan to attend local community events and sporting activities to raise awareness and promote Sense Rugby further.

“The support that we have received from the Sense Team has been amazing. We enjoy following along with other licensees to see all the amazing work they are also doing.”
Ingrid Fourie | OT

Join us in supporting Kaha Kids Occupational Therapy as we continue to make a positive impact on children’s lives through team sports.

Are you an Occupational Therapist or a business that employs Occupational Therapists?

Have you ever considered becoming a provider for Sense Team Sports? After a short break from accepting new provider applications, we are excited to announce that applications are now open!

The program is completely adjustable to your community and availability.

So how does it run?
🏉 6-10 week program as per state school terms.
🏉 As a holiday-intensive program.
🏉 1 hour per week “training” session, you can offer at least two groups per afternoon.
🏉 Usually at a field, school or a hall, a small space is required to run the groups. 1⁄4 of a rugby field is more than suitable
🏉 Maximum 10 kids per hour dependent on family goals, funding body requirements and OT/support staff ratios. An Occupational Therapist is required to be present for every group.

What are the next steps?

Please pop us an email at [email protected] and we will send you the provider pack with pricing and all of the information you need to get started or feel free to pop us a DM and we can get the information emailed over to you.

New Locations at Sense Rugby 🏉

Exciting news for Sense Team Sports and the communities in our new locations. We're thrilled to announce the expansion of our Sense Rugby program to three new locations:

1. Northern Rivers, NSW: We can't wait to bring our therapeutic sports programs to this beautiful area. Northern Rivers is hosting a Launch Day for kids to come and try a session next Thursday the 1st of February at Wollongbar Alstonville Rugby Club. For further information and to register for the Come and Try session, contact Jo at Joey's Occupational Therapy [email protected] or 0451668610

2. The Whitsundays, QLD: The team is bringing inclusive sports-based therapy to The Whitsundays. The Launch day has already been held however they have a Term 1 program commencing on the 22nd of February. Please contact Move and Play Paediatric Therapy [email protected] or phone (07) 4942 9343/ 0420 307 385.

3. Bowen, QLD: We're excited to create a supportive space for neurodivergent children in Bowen, QLD. Stay tuned for more information as this new location launches

🌟 Join the Journey: Whether you're in Northern Rivers, The Whitsundays, Bowen, or beyond, Sense Team Sports is here to create spaces where every child can thrive through the power of team sports 🏉💫 If you or someone you know would like to get involved please get in touch via DM or email us at [email protected]

Around the Grounds . . . come and check out the Northern Rivers Sense Rugby Launch Day 🏉

On the 1st of February the team at Joey’s Occupational Therapy held an incredible Launch Day for the community to join in and participate in a Sense Rugby session.

All abilities were welcome and everyone had a great day! Look at those smiles!

Who do you think had more fun? The kids or team at St Joey’s? 💫

There are still some vacancies for Term 1 and Jo & the team are holding another ‘come and try session’ on the 15th of February at 4:30pm. Get in touch with Jo & the team at Joey’s OT via [email protected] or 0451668610.

Join Our Growing Team in 2024 🌟

This year, we have welcomed three dynamic Occupational Therapists, solidifying our commitment to providing services for neurodivergent children and teenagers in the community.

🌈 Team Building Continues: While our OT positions are now filled, we’re on the lookout for passionate professionals to join our collaborative community right here in Bulli, NSW.

🗣️ Speech Therapists

🧠 Psychologists

💡 Why Join Us? Our space is more than just a workplace; it’s a nurturing environment (soon to also include a sauna and meditation space 🧡) that fosters inclusivity, support, and continuous learning. If you share our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of neurodivergent children, we would love to hear from you!

📧 Express Your Interest: If you are eager to contribute to our mission or know someone who might be, please reach out directly to Carlien at [email protected]. We’d love to explore the possibility of you becoming a vital part of our vibrant and dedicated team.

I’m

📚 We are so proud of this one: “Ziggy and his Wiggly Mind”

One of our parents at Sense Team Sports has written a book and we think it’s amazing 💫

“Let’s celebrate difference, big and small. For being the same, is no fun at ALL!”

Meet Ziggy, a little dynamo with an imagination that knows no bounds! In the heartwarming children’s book, “Ziggy and his Wiggly Mind,” author Bree O’Malley takes us on an enchanting journey into Ziggy’s world.

🧠 Navigating Neurodiversity: “Ziggy and his Wiggly Mind” beautifully introduces young readers to the concept of neurodiversity in a gentle and empowering way. Through Ziggy’s adventures, children are encouraged to embrace differences and appreciate the beauty of diverse minds.

🌈 Impact Beyond Pages: As a community dedicated to empowering neurodivergent kids, we celebrate the creative endeavours of our parents. Bree has not only crafted a captivating tale but has contributed to the broader conversation around inclusivity and understanding.

We have a copy here in our waiting room for you and your children to read together otherwise you can purchase a copy online.