(Research Hub Theater) “The Team, the Team, the Team:” A Team-based Approach to Developing and Growing an Adaptive Field Hockey Program

Background and/or Objectives: To develop and grow an adaptive field hockey program to enhance physical activity opportunities for persons with disabilities

Design: Collaboration between a field hockey club team owner, a medical student, an athlete with Down Syndrome and her mother led to the creation of an adaptive field hockey program. In Spring 2022, the inaugural season was held. Support from USA Field Hockey and an existing adaptive field hockey team aided in development. The team has progressively grown over three seasons (Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023).

Setting: Practices are held in a suburban town, athletes are within a one-hour radius of the practice facilities

Participants: The team has grown from 24 athletes to 35 athletes and over 45 volunteers, including high school “buddies” and adult coaches. Athletes (ages 6-30) have a range of disabilities including intellectual/developmental and physical disabilities.

Interventions: Athlete-centered goal-setting occurred through collaboration between athletes and their families, buddies, and coaches with backgrounds in occupational and physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and general medicine. Similarly, we identified and implemented athlete-specific adaptations for maximal participation. Skill development was supported by 1:1 pairing between athletes and high school “buddies.”

Main Outcome Measures: Number of participants and participant satisfaction

Results: Collaboration and 1:1 pairing allowed for the identification of athlete-centered goals. Integrating multiple perspectives aided in athlete growth and skill development over the course of each season. The retention rates of athletes and volunteers from season-to-season were high and the program has progressively grown. Ultimately, 25 athletes from our team, and additional athletes from two other existing adaptive teams, participated in the inaugural, national adaptive field hockey showcase in March 2023.

Conclusions: There is a demonstrated need and desire for adaptive sports opportunities. Teamwork amongst multiple stakeholders is key to building and growing an adaptive sports program.