Students at Elliott Hudson College took part in an inspiring wheelchair basketball taster session at Morley Leisure Centre, delivered by Leeds Spiders Wheelchair Basketball, as part of their Level 3 Sports Leaders Programme.

The session introduced students to the rules, techniques and tactical elements of wheelchair basketball before they took part in a friendly game. This hands-on experience allowed students to understand the physical and strategic demands of the sport while gaining valuable insight into how traditional sports can be adapted to be inclusive for all participants.

As part of their Sports Leaders studies, students are currently completing a module focused on making sports sessions inclusive for children, women and disabled athletes. The wheelchair basketball session gave them a real-world example of an adapted sport that is accessible to a wide range of participants, regardless of ability. Students also had the opportunity to speak directly to individuals with disabilities, hearing first-hand about their experiences and the challenges they faced accessing mainstream sport both in and out of school.

Building on this experience, students are now planning their own inclusive sports sessions as part of their Sports Leaders course, with activities including boccia, sitting volleyball and blind cricket. These sessions aim to reflect the inclusive principles they observed and discussed during the wheelchair basketball workshop.

The activity forms part of Elliott Hudson College’s ongoing commitment to developing knowledgeable, empathetic and adaptable sports leaders who are prepared to deliver inclusive and accessible sporting opportunities in schools and the wider community.

Sports Leaders Programme Leader Mr Josh Buxton praised the students’ approach to the session:

“Experiences like this are incredibly important for our Sports Leaders students. It gives them a real understanding of inclusive sport, while also developing leadership, empathy and teamwork. They approached the session with great energy and respect, which is exactly what we aim to encourage.”

Elliott Hudson College continues to offer a wide range of enrichment and leadership opportunities designed to prepare students for future study, employment and community involvement, with inclusion and equality at the heart of its sports curriculum