Sense Team Sports…where therapy and sports combine, involving every child and their unique abilities.
Sense Team Sports integrates the principles of Occupational Therapy with the excitement of various sports, creating an inclusive program for children of all abilities. Established in October 2015 by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Carlien Parahi and Australian Rugby Sevens Olympian Jesse Parahi, Sense Team Sports helps children discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop lifelong friendships.
Sense Team Sports isn’t just a typical sports program. It combines Occupational Therapy fundamentals with key aspects of sports to empower children of all abilities to shine on and off the field. It’s a space where children, regardless of their challenges, can process sensory information, enhance motor skills, manage emotions, and enjoy social interactions with peers through the power of sports.
Why Sense Team Sports?
Sense Team Sports is designed for children who find it challenging to participate in traditional sports teams. The program caters to kids with various developmental delays and conditions, including but not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADHD
- Down Syndrome
- Dyspraxia
- Anxiety
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Emotional Regulation Difficulties
- Behavioral Difficulties
- Global Developmental Delay
- Learning Difficulties
- Social Skills Differences
The Importance of Self-Regulation
As Occupational Therapists, one of our main goals is to help children self-regulate, which involves managing their emotions and maintaining an optimal state of arousal. This skill is crucial for success in various areas of life, including school and social situations. By learning to self-regulate, children can improve their focus, behavior, impulse control, and social interactions which are all developed at Sense Team Sports.
5 Key Benefits of Sense Team Sports
- Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Sense Team Sports helps kids develop confidence and self-esteem by providing a supportive environment where they can learn new skills, follow instructions, and be part of a team. - Promoting Physical Activity
Our program encourages regular physical activity, helping children develop motor skills, strength, coordination, and overall physical health. - Developing Social Skills
Participation in Sense Team Sports allows kids to interact with peers, fostering friendships, cooperation, teamwork, and communication skills. - Improving Self-Regulation
Regular physical activity helps regulate children’s emotions, attention, and behavior, contributing to overall mental health and social development. - Enhancing Emotional Well-Being
Physical activity in a supportive environment helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being.
What does a Sense Team Sports session involve?
- Warm-up activities such as red light-green light, Simon says, bull rush, and many more.
- Gross motor activities that focus on coordination, balance, strength, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Sport-specific skills such as passing, kicking, tackling, catching, and running.
- Equipment: Tackle bags, shoulder pads, Lycra tunnels, rugby balls, agility ladders, and tackle rings.
Each week, the activities are varied and graded to ensure they remain fun and engaging for the children. This approach helps continuously develop their skills, keeps them motivated, and supports their individual progress and needs.
Programs Available
Sense AFL
Sense AFL uses the sensory and social aspects of Australian Rules Football to enhance children’s sensory, social, emotional, and physical skills, fostering a strong connection to their community.
Sense Rugby
Sense Rugby provides a safe environment where Paediatric Occupational Therapists collaborate with trained rugby players to support children’s success and development.
Sense Team Sports’ mission is to empower children to self-regulate and thrive in diverse social and physical environments. Each child’s ability is embraced and recognised, bringing a unique perspective and energy to the program. Sense Team Sports utilises your child’s strengths and motivation to help them participate and focus on creating a positive and successful social experience.
