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Brogan Evans - The experience of an Autistic coach Page 18
from Sports Scripted
Brogan Evans is the Salford Red Devils number 13 but also a coach for several of her local teams and clubs and with her alongside her day job, but the 27-year-old isn’t any ordinary coach. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with autism and has faced challenges as both a player and coach, that others haven’t.
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Whilst her diagnosis was late, she already knew she was different, and her process was a positive one. She said, “They gave examples of people in the sports world who also have autism, for example the lead statistical analysts for Manchester United football club has autism and because of the way his brain works, he is amazing at his job.”
Although she was given positive advice, she is quick to criticise herself adding “
I’ve found it even more challenging being a coach, I think. I have a really high frustration level, if there’s something I think is really simple or common sense and a player just isn’t getting it, I find that really challenging. I know it’s not their fault, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. It’s hard sometimes to control my own emotions and not let them affect the people around me.”
The Cheshire County captain went on to explain that she knows she’s not the only one suffering due to her neurodevelopmental disorders. She explained “I do wish there was more awareness for neurodiversity in sport. I coach an additional needs football team and I have a young lad there who is incredibly talented, he’s tried to play for several mainstream teams but been let go each time.
Not because he’s not good enough, but because he struggles to follow instructions. He has ADHD, so when all the other lads were stood still listening to the coach, he’d still be kicking his ball around. There are so many ways to accommodate someone like him into a team and it’s about sitting down with that person, asking what they struggle with and coming up with an action plan together. Change your coaching style to support someone, but unfortunately, it’s easier to just let him go.”
