A court where you belong.
NEURODIVERGENT-FRIENDLY SPORT AT BYC
We support neurodivergent young people and adults to learn pickleball, stay active, and make friends. Our sessions are calm, structured, and built around each learner.
Inclusive sport: Neurodivergent players and BYC members, on the same court.
Every mind plays differently.
WHO WE SUPPORT
Many neurodivergent young people have few chances to play team sport. Busy, noisy settings can feel overwhelming. Fast games with unwritten rules can be hard to follow. Too often, they end up on the sidelines.
At BYC, we welcome autistic players, players with Down syndrome, ADHD, and other learning differences. We adjust the pace and the routine, not the welcome.
A sport that suits how many neurodivergent learners learn.
Why pickleball
Clear structure: Simple rules, a fixed serving order, and the same scoring every game. Players always know what comes next.
Small steps: Grip, serve, return, rally. Each skill builds on the last, so progress is easy to see.
Short points: Most points last a few seconds. Learners can reset, breathe, and try again.
Social, at a safe distance: Partners share a court without physical contact. Players connect at their own pace.
Three courts, so every player knows what to expect.
How we play
Predictable settings help everyone. Each court has a clear purpose, and players choose the one that suits them that day.
Play to include
Mixed-ability games with BYC house rules. A gentler pace, longer rallies, and everyone rotating in.
Standard rules and full pace, for players who want a hard game.
Target hitting, serve accuracy, and rally streaks. Every player scores on the same scale.
Play to win
Play for points
Simple rules that give everyone a fair game.
Fun Court house rules
Some players need more time to process and react. These rules give them that time, and make the game more interesting for everyone.
Before the first game, each player shares their name and one thing they enjoy. Players who know each other look out for each other.
01 Start with names
02 Two-point winners
If an inclusive player hits a shot you cannot return, their team scores 2 points.
02 Two-point winners
03 No double Targeting
04 Rally First
05 Calm talk only
We review these rules as we learn. When wheelchair players join, we follow the official wheelchair pickleball rules.
If a Fun Court learner hits a shot you cannot return, their team scores 2 points.
You cannot hit to the same player twice in a row.
Keep the first three shots of each point soft and in play.
No shouting at partners or opponents. Praise good shots. Keep feedback short and kind.
How you can help.
For our players
Choose your court before you step on.
On the Fun Court, play to keep the rally going.
Give clear, simple instructions. Show as well as tell.
Allow extra time between points if a player needs it.
Volunteer as a Fun Court buddy for one hour a week.
Coaching with Kru Mod
Pickleball Programme for neurodivergent learners.
Confidence comes first.
Programme outline
Many of our learners start with low confidence in sport. Some have been left out of games at school. Others have tried a club before and found it too fast, too loud, or too unpredictable. Our first goal is to change that by giving them a safe, calm, and welcoming place to play.
We build the first sessions around small, reachable tasks. A learner is unlikely to progress if they don't believe they can. Once they see the ball go over the net, they are ready for the next step.
Kru Mod is BYC's head coach and an experienced teacher. Families came to her because they wanted their children to be active, make friends, and be part of a community. That is still the heart of the programme.
Note: Each learner is an individual. Some progress quickly; others benefit from more time. We do not set an age limit for the programme.
Our programme covers:
Pickleball skills (grip, serve, return, and rally), taught one step at a time
Physical activity and fitness, outdoors, every session
Social and emotional wellbeing (confidence, self-esteem, and handling winning and losing)
Turn-taking, teamwork, and communication with a partner
Following a routine and preparing for change
A gradual path into group play with the wider BYC community
Small groups, plenty of time.
The learning environment
Lessons run one-to-one or in small groups of up to 4 learners. Kru Mod takes a hands-on role on court throughout every session.
We take the time to get to know your family member's interests and abilities. We then shape each lesson around them to keep them engaged and motivated. Once we have built a trusting relationship, we work on the things they find harder.
Every session follows the same routine, so learners know what to expect. Learners can take a short break whenever they need one.
If your family member already attends a school or therapy programme, our lessons fit alongside it. Let us know, and we'll plan around their week.
A typical session
One hour, same shape every week.
How to join.
Getting started
01 Get in touch: Tell us about your family member: their age, interests, and any past sport experience.
02: Trial lesson: A one-hour session with Kru Mod. First-timer lessons start from 650฿.
03 Regular lessons: We agree a schedule that suits your family member and build skills week by week.
04 Join the Fun Court: When they are ready, they play with the wider BYC community.
Every player starts somewhere.
Join us
Book a trial lesson with Kru Mod, or volunteer as a Fun Court buddy. Either way, you help make our court a place for everyone.