Inclusive, Friendly and Fun: Specialised clinics support neurodivergent young people

The Adelaide 36ers have teamed up with TAFE SA to deliver the state’s first inclusive basketball clinics designed specifically for neurodivergent children and young people.

Held during the April school holidays, the free clinics were the result of months of thoughtful planning, with a clear goal: create a welcoming, supportive space where every participant could feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun.

Across three sessions at the State Basketball Centre, 75 participants took part in small-group activities that made it easier to engage, connect, and enjoy the game. Every detail was carefully considered, from adapting drills to suit different skill levels, to increasing staff support so individual needs could be met.

36ers players Magok Manyang and Deng Manyang were also on hand to assist on the day along with TAFE SA students.

The environment itself was just as important as the activities. A dedicated sensory room offered a quiet retreat when needed, while participants were encouraged to wear headphones, bring a buddy or support person, and move in and out of activities at their own pace. The result was a relaxed, flexible experience that put enjoyment first.

Although originally designed for 10 to 17-year-olds, the clinics proved so accessible that a few participants outside that age range joined in and had just as much fun..

Adelaide 36ers Chief of External Relations & Community Strategy, Ross Wait says the clinics were a fantastic example of what a genuine partnership can achieve.

“The collaboration between the Adelaide 36ers and TAFE SA is creating real pathways, not just for neurodivergent participants, but also for students gaining hands on experience in inclusive, community-focused sport delivery,” Mr Wait said.

“It was brilliant to see so many smiles on the day, and the feedback from participants and their families or carers was extremely positive.

“We had parents tell us that the clinic had helped their children reconnect with basketball or that it had build their confidence to take part in organised sport. It’s feedback like that which makes it all worth it.

“Programs like this don’t happen without strong alignment, shared intent, and a willingness to innovate together.

“It’s a powerful demonstration of how sport and education can combine to deliver meaningful, accessible experiences that leave a lasting impact both on and off the court.”

TAFE SA Chief Executive Adam Kilvert said the clinic aligned with the training organisation’s strong focus on inclusion and equity.

“For TAFE SA, the clinic was more than sport. It was about inclusion, adaptability and understanding how to continue to create learning environments where every person can thrive and be their best,” he said.

“For our Certificate III in Fitness students who took part in the clinic, this was real-world on-the-job training where they developed not only practical coaching skills but also the ability to tailor their approach to diverse student needs. 

“This is the impact we continuously strive for at TAFE SA, where education meets purpose and where every student has the ability and the opportunity to succeed.”

A key focus leading into the clinics was preparation. Families were provided with clear, detailed information including photos and maps to help participants feel more at ease entering a new environment, reducing uncertainty before they even stepped onto the court.

Following the success of the program and the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Adelaide 36ers and TAFE SA are now exploring opportunities to run similar clinics in the future.