The Power of Visual Communication in Sport: Making Every Game Inclusive
- Ali Pennington
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 29
Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together — it builds confidence, encourages teamwork, promotes wellbeing, and creates a sense of belonging. But for individuals who experience communication difficulties, taking part in sporting activities can be challenging. That’s where visual communication tools, including the Makaton communication programme, can make a real difference.
Over the last two years I have the pleasure of delivering football and cricket taster sessions to several sports foundations and sports degree students at a local college. This is some of what we discussed, the importance of supporting everyone with their communication, with tools that are individual to them, to make support as accessible as possible.
Why Communication Matters in Sport
On the pitch, in the pool, on the court — communication is everywhere. Whether it’s understanding instructions, following rules, or celebrating a win with teammates, clear communication is key to feeling included and confident.
For someone who may have speech, language, or understanding difficulties, relying only on spoken language can create barriers. This can lead to frustration, confusion, or even withdrawal from activities they might otherwise enjoy.
Click the link to view some Makaton signs on Instagram created by Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership after I delivered training there
How Visual Tools Help
Visual communication strategies, such as gesture, signing, symbols, pictures, and visual schedules, help break down those barriers. They:
Support understanding by providing clear, visual cues alongside or instead of spoken words.
Promote inclusion by ensuring everyone can access information equally.
Reduce anxiety by helping people know what to expect and what’s expected of them.
Encourage participation by building confidence in communication.
Makaton in Sport
Makaton is a communication programme that uses speech, signs, symbols to support communication. Makaton is already used widely in education, health, and care — and it has a powerful place in sport too.
Using Makaton in sporting settings can:
Make warm-ups and instructions easier to follow.
Help participants understand game rules and routines.
Create inclusive team environments where everyone can communicate.
Celebrate achievements in ways that everyone understands.
Coaches, sports leaders, volunteers, and peers can learn a core set of signs to make their activities more accessible. This small step can have a huge impact on participation and inclusion.
Practical Examples
Visual timetables for training sessions help people know what’s coming next.
Makaton signs for key words like start, stop, ball, run, team, or well done keep things clear and consistent.
Symbol cards or boards can support individuals to make choices and communicate their needs during activities.
Celebration signs create shared ways to cheer for success.
Inclusion Benefits Everyone
While visual communication tools are designed to support those who need them most, their benefits extend to everyone. Visuals support learning, reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger team bonds. When communication is inclusive, everyone feels valued and able to take part.
Taking the Next Step
Incorporating visual communication tools like Makaton into sport doesn’t require big changes — just thoughtful, simple adjustments. Training staff and volunteers, adding visual supports, and embracing inclusive communication can transform how participants experience sport.
Sport should be for everyone. By using visual communication, we can make sure it truly is.
Would you like to find out more information about training your team? I offer private training tailored to your organisations needs.
“According to the Inclusive Communications Guide by Activity Alliance, disabled people have “different needs or experience different barriers to accessing information” and communications must reflect that.” Activity Alliance+1“The Makaton Charity records that sports clubs which adopt Makaton Friendly status are able to make their services more accessible to all participants.” Level Playing Field
Further Reading & Resources: Activity Alliance, Inclusive Communications Guide: Reaching more people in sport and physical activity The Makaton Charity – Case studies & resources Sport England / Activity Alliance – Inclusion & Accessibility Guidance for providers
Contact details:
Tel: 07837 876254
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The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
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These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.
At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.
Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com
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