We all want to feel included, it's a basic human right

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This sentence sums up Inclusive Sports Coaching for me.  There are many Academies and Elite programs focused on mainstream athletes, but those with a Disability or Disadvantaged often don't get the opportunity to access High Performance Coaches.  It's time that changed, and so I have created the Inclusive Sports Academy. 

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With the NDIS providing funding to people with a Disability or Mental Health concerns to enable them to increase their social and community participation opportunities, High Performance coaches like myself can provide the same coaching and mentoring to people with a Disability as I provide to mainstream athletes.  

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As well as a professional career of over 20 years in the IT industry managing large teams spread across the Asia Pacific region, I've also had a diverse and wide-ranging list of roles in Cricket.  I believe this diversity and mix of club and representative levels of playing and coaching provides a strong basis to pass on my knowledge and help athletes become the best they can be. 

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Head Coach Australian Cricket Team for Players with an Intellectual Disability (2016-2024)

Director and Women's Head Coach at Southern District Cricket Club

Men's Development Coach Southern District Cricket Club

Team Coach and Wicket Keeping Specialist Coach at St Peters Collegue

Assistant Coach Australian Cricket Team for Players with an Intellectual Disability (2014-2016)

Coaching Roles at Goodwood Cricket Club

Director of Coaching/Head Coach Northern Districts Cricket Club

Inaugural Coach of South Australian Special Olympics Cricket Team at the first National Championships

Open Mens South Australian Indoor Cricket Coach (2003-2005 and 2009-2015)

Various SA Masters Indoor Cricket Coaching roles (Over 30 Men, Over 35 Men, Over 30 Women)

Ad Hoc Coaching assistance to various teams as requested

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I'm also on the Committee of Taverners SA (Home - Taverners Australia) which is a charitable organisation supporting athletes with a Disability or Disadvantaged to pursue their sporting dreams. 

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John has a Working with Children Check, has completed the NDIS mandatory training modules, and also the "Improving Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability" online course from Special Olympics Australia. 

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And most importantly I'm married to Lesley, and have a daughter Tyler and a son Sean.  We live in Goodwood, South Australia. 

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Partner Coaches also engaged with Inclusive Sports Coaching are shown below. We are always interested in talking to people who have the desire and skills to deliver our Jump Start or High-Performance programs to people with a Disability.  Even if you only have time to do 1 x 1 hour session per week for a client, that allows us to provide one extra person access to our 1 to 1 service. 

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Syed Mohsin

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Syed works with a number of clients delivering our Jump Start program, and also has coaching qualifications in Cricket and Soccer.  Located in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide. 

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Emanuel Dau

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Emanuel has a Cert 3 in Disability Support, and is a qualified Basketball Coach. He also has a passion for soccer having grown up playing it.  

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Sam Hill

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Sam is a young man starting to study a Disability Certificate, and while he's doing that is working with a number of clients with physical and intellectual disabilities helping them enjoy sports and improve their skills and self esteem.  Sam has some lived experience, and is a keen sports person playing AFL (Level 1 Coach) and Cricket in the Adelaide Hills. 

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Darren Roberts

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Darren has a sports science background, previously doing Talent ID for Cycling South Australia.  He enjoys working with young kids and has a particular focus around Tennis and most recently Badminton, but also can provide AFL and Cricket guidance.  Located in the Eastern Suburbs of Adelaide. 

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Taine Harding

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Taine is building his own business working in the Disability sector, and in the mean time is enjoying working with some clients on general ball skills and skill development.  Taine is a very keen soccer player, and also has experience coaching juniors across a range of activities.  He has some lived experience within his family, and so understands the patience and messaging needed.  Taine is located in Flagstaff Hill.

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Paul Finnie

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Paul is located in Perth, WA and is working with clients to develop their sporting skills and self esteem.  Paul is a qualified Cricket and Hockey Coach, and has over 20 years experience coaching Juniors.  He is located in Kardinya just South of the River, and is willing to travel to clients where needed. 

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