How sport is helping Shepparton students find purpose and confidence

When Stuart Shaw first suggested table tennis to his students, the response was immediate. "Absolutely not." For many teachers, that might have been the end of the conversation. For Stu, Sports Coordinator at Wodonga Senior Secondary College's Shepparton Flexible Learning Centre, it was simply a reminder that first reactions don't always tell the full story. Supporting around 130 young people in the Shepparton region, the Flexible Learning Centre works with students who may have become disengaged from mainstream education for a variety of reasons. Many face challenges beyond the classroom, and on any given day, the priority might be helping students feel safe, supported and ready to engage. In that context, organised sport isn't always front of mind. But over the years, Stu has seen how sport can create opportunities for students to build confidence, develop social connections and experience success in a different setting. That's one of the reasons the school has continued to engage with Sporting Schools.

"The funding gives us the chance to try things we probably wouldn't otherwise," Stu said. "It lets us experiment with different sports and find what connects with our students." Table tennis turned out to be one of those surprises. Despite the initial resistance, students gradually gave it a go. What started with a reluctant paddle swing soon became something students genuinely looked forward to. Staff observed positive outcomes for students with autism, particularly around teamwork, communication and social connection. The program was so well received that the school used grant funding to purchase a table tennis table, ensuring students could continue playing long after the sessions finished.

The same was true during a recent tennis program delivered through Mark Mills, a local tennis coach. Students quickly connected with the coach and regularly asked when they would be coming back. The program finished with a community barbecue, bringing together students, staff and coaches in a relaxed environment that extended well beyond tennis. The sessions gave students an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, learn how to win and lose in a safe environment and build positive relationships with adults outside the school. "Sometimes another voice can make a difference," Stu said. "Having coaches come in gives students the chance to connect with someone new and hear things from a different perspective." Those connections are particularly important for young people who can face barriers to participating in community sport. Cost, confidence and social expectations can all make traditional sporting pathways difficult to navigate. Through Sporting Schools, students are able to experience sport in an environment that feels safe, supportive and accessible. While only two students have progressed into community sport, Stu sees that as a significant achievement. "For all of our students that's a really big step," he said. More importantly, the confidence, social skills and sense of belonging developed through programs like Sporting Schools often extend far beyond sport. Staff have seen students build stronger relationships, engage more positively with others and develop the confidence to pursue opportunities in their communities, including pathways towards employment. For Stu, those outcomes are what matter most. Success isn't always measured by results or participation numbers. Sometimes it's a student giving something a go after initially saying no. Sometimes it's a conversation started around a table tennis table. Sometimes it's a young person asking when the coach is coming back. They're small moments, but they can lead to something much bigger. And that's why Sporting Schools continues to play an important role at the Shepparton Flexible Learning Centre.