Neurodivergent athletes and sports coaches aged 18 and over are being invited to share their experiences in research that could help inform more inclusive coaching and policy.
GREENSIDE, NORTH EAST ENGLAND – A North East community boxing organisation is helping King’s College London recruit adults for a study exploring the experiences of neurodivergent athletes and the coaches who work with them.
The project will examine what helps neurodivergent people participate in boxing, what can create barriers, and how coaching environments and future practice could become more inclusive. There is currently limited research focused on the perspectives and needs of neurodivergent people within the sport.
Union Jab CIC, based in Greenside, is supporting awareness and recruitment for the study. The organisation delivers authentic, non-competitive boxing for children and adults who may want the benefits of the sport without pressure to spar or compete.
“As an autistic boxing coach, I know how powerful the sport can be when the environment is right – and how easily people can be excluded when it is not. This study gives athletes and coaches a chance to be heard directly, rather than having inclusion designed around assumptions.”
“Boxing does not need to be watered down to become more accessible. Often the difference is patient coaching, clear communication and an environment where people can learn without pressure to compete.”
Charlie Cooke, Founder and Director, Union Jab CIC
The research team wants to hear from adults aged 18 and over who are neurodivergent athletes – whether formally diagnosed or self-identifying – and from sports coaches with experience of coaching neurodivergent athletes.
5 MINUTES
Initial online survey
45-75 MINUTES
One interview
FLEXIBLE
Online or in person
ANONYMISED
Ethics-approved study
Participants will be asked about their experiences in boxing and sport, including the factors that have supported or hindered participation. Interviews can be conducted online or in person, breaks can be taken at any time, and participant data will be anonymised. The findings are intended to contribute to published academic research.
Union Jab hopes the project will help move the discussion beyond broad assumptions about neurodiversity and towards evidence grounded in the experiences of athletes and coaches themselves.
Charlie Cooke added:
“Traditional amateur boxing clubs play an essential role in developing competitive boxers. Union Jab is not a replacement for that model. We provide another route into the sport for people whose goals may be confidence, exercise, social connection and personal development. Better research can help every part of boxing understand who it serves well and where barriers still remain.”
TAKE PART OR FIND OUT MORE
unionjab.com/blogs/union-jab-blog/neurodiversity-boxing-research
Research enquiries: emily.lowery@kcl.ac.uk
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