Inclusive Sports Access
Before joining

Questions to ask before joining a sports club.

You do not need to know all the right words. A good club should be able to answer practical questions clearly and respectfully before you commit.

First session checklistFor clubs
Last updated: 14 July 2026 Reviewed as a practical guide, not legal or medical advice
Access questions

Start with the basics that affect getting in and staying comfortable.

  • Is the venue wheelchair accessible from parking or drop-off to the playing area?
  • Are there accessible toilets and change rooms?
  • Is there a quiet place to take a break if needed?
  • What is the noise level like during the session?
  • Are there stairs, uneven surfaces, narrow doorways or heavy doors?
  • Is public transport nearby, or is parking usually available?

These questions are not difficult or demanding. They are normal participation questions. The answers can help you decide whether the first visit will be manageable.

Coaching and communication

Ask how instructions and sessions are run.

  • Who will be the main contact person before and during the first session?
  • Can instructions be given in more than one way, such as spoken, visual or demonstrated?
  • Is the session structured in a predictable order?
  • Can the participant watch first before joining in?
  • Can the coach allow extra time to process instructions?
  • Has the club supported participants with similar needs before?

A club does not need to be perfect. What matters is whether they are willing to understand the person and adjust where reasonable.

Support and safety

Talk about support people, equipment and emergency plans.

  • Can a parent, carer or support worker attend the session?
  • Are support people allowed near the playing area if needed?
  • Is any specialist equipment available or does the participant need to bring their own?
  • What should we do if the participant becomes overwhelmed or needs to stop?
  • Who should we speak to if something does not feel safe?
  • Is there a trial session before paying for a full term or season?
Costs

Ask about the full cost before joining.

Sport costs can include registration, uniforms, equipment, transport, competition fees, insurance, social events and extra training. It is better to ask early than be surprised later.

If cost is a barrier, ask whether the club knows about grants, fee support, payment plans or second-hand equipment options.

Questions people ask

Helpful questions

Is it rude to ask lots of questions before joining?

No. Good questions help everyone prepare. Clubs usually prefer knowing support needs before the first session rather than trying to guess on the day.

What if a club cannot support everything we ask for?

That can happen. The important thing is honesty. A club that clearly explains its limits may still help you find a better option.

Should we put questions in writing?

Writing questions down can help. It gives the organiser time to check details and gives you something to refer back to.

Should I ask all questions at once?

No. Start with the most important safety, access and communication questions. You can ask more once the club has replied.

What if the club does not reply?

Try one follow-up, then look for another contact or another club. A slow or unclear reply may tell you something about how easy the first session will be.

Is it okay to ask about toilets and change rooms?

Yes. Toilets, change spaces, parking and entry points can decide whether a session is possible. These are reasonable questions.

Also useful

Related resources

Winter inclusive sports guide

Plan cold-weather sport with comfort, access, warm-up and first-session tips.

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First session checklist

What to prepare before attending.

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How clubs can make first contact easier

A guide for club volunteers and organisers.

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Grants and funding

Questions to ask about participation costs.

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