LEARN.GROW.BELONG.
Amy Spurgeon
24 June 2026
On Tuesday, June 9, The Huddle welcomed students from Giant Steps Melbourne to experience our Game Day excursion.
Giant Steps is school that specialises in educating and supporting students with autism (ASD) from Foundation to Year 12. They use a transdisciplinary model, which sees teachers and teaching assistants working alongside occupational, speech, behavioural and musical therapists to support students' emotional regulation, communication and learning. Giant Steps are widely recognised as a leader in this space, and we were excited to collaborate with them in designing a version of Game Day that is accessible for cohorts with varied learning needs.
A group of 10 students across different grades visited The Huddle to experience the magic of our AFL themed STEM excursion – in a way that was accessible and supported each student’s engagement. Students got hands-on driving the Sphero robots, building Lego creations and getting out onto the football field to practice their footy skills and kick some goals. A particular highlight was the simulation stadium – with students loving the immersive aspect and the feeling of attending a real match day.
Luke Evans, the outdoor learning specialist for Giant Steps explained that for students with ASD “access to the community during their school years is essential to increasing outcomes for students later in life. Learning to access the community safely, provides opportunity for increased self-esteem, physical benefits and of course mental health.” We were proud to be able to offer our Game Day excursion in a way that was safe and inclusive, to provide access to these valuable experiences.
Adjustments such as a slower pace, visual timetables, movement breaks, providing multiple entry points to activities and measuring success by participation and connection helped make the excursion fun and welcoming for the cohort.
The education staff noted that “the day was so inclusive and supportive”. Huge shout out to the Giant Steps team for supporting students’ engagement and going with the flow of the day.
This experience also forms part of an ongoing project to embed best practises in accessibility and inclusion across all Huddle programs. At The Huddle we understand the power of sport in bringing people together and aim to ensure that students with all backgrounds and abilities feel that sense of belonging during their visit.
We are excited to take our learnings from this visit to develop practical supports for future cohorts.
Thank you Giant Steps!
