Growing Healthy Communities

With this support, we delivered the Let Them Play Pilot Project – a program designed to give children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a safe and supportive introduction to sport, while also helping coaches, parents and clubs create more positive and inclusive sporting environments.

The program included:

• An 8-week introductory sports program for children with ASD
• Workshops for coaches and parents to build understanding, inclusion and positive sport culture

This initiative responded directly to the challenge of creating more active, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods through sport and recreation. By providing safe entry points into sport and equipping clubs with the tools to be more welcoming, the program increased opportunities for participation, strengthened belonging and supported better mental wellbeing for young people and their families.

Continuing the Impact

Following the success of the pilot, Valley Sport is proud to have received ongoing support in 2026 through VicHealth’s Growing Healthy Communities funding, enabling us to expand and strengthen the Let Them Play program.

This continued investment means we can:

• Reach more communities across our region
• Support more families to access inclusive sport opportunities
• Continue building confidence, skills and connection through play

Programs like Let Them Play are about removing barriers and creating positive first experiences in sport. With this ongoing support, we are able to grow this impact – helping more young people feel included, supported and ready to participate in sport in a way that works for them.

Looking Ahead

Our vision is for Let Them Play to continue beyond the funded period. By embedding the program and workshops into our ongoing services and partnering with local clubs, associations and allied health providers, we are building a sustainable model that supports long-term participation and more inclusive sporting cultures across our region.