As part of I AM’s mission to celebrate the autistic community, we are expanding our popular ‘10 Questions With…’ series to spotlight disability sport providers, clubs, and individuals who have made a significant impact in sports in and around Manchester. In our latest Sporting Life interview, we reconnect with Mike Carr, who leads mixed-ability rugby sessions at Bowdon Rugby Club.
1. Can you provide insights into your role as a volunteer coach for Bowdon Bears Mixed Ability team, particularly in facilitating pan-disability rugby training sessions for children aged 8 to young adults?
My role focuses on communication and fostering team spirit, friendships, and fun. I strive to ensure every team member feels valued and has a sense of belonging. Some of the kids have tried different sports sessions but never enjoyed them. Recognising that they are all individuals, I take the time to understand and get to know each one of them. I also prepare the kids when a new member joins, encouraging them to make a great effort to welcome the newcomer. I firmly believe that all kids should have the opportunity to be coached and improve. Unfortunately, I’ve found that many disability sessions fail to provide this – but at Bowdon, we do, and we make it fun.
2. What motivated you to start the Bowdon Bears Mixed Ability team, and delve into rugby coaching?
I have played rugby since I was seven and have spent time playing and coaching in the US. I have some great memories and have made many lifelong friendships. Rugby clubs are generally welcoming and inclusive environments. My son, Charlie, has autism, and I wanted him – and others – to have the same opportunities as everyone else. Exercise is important not only for their mental health but also for building friendships and feeling part of a community.
3. Reflecting on your coaching journey with pan-disability players, could you share a standout moment or highlight that has resonated with you?
There are so many to be honest. Each of our players have made amazing progress. We played our first TAG match this year and we got a coach to the venue, even though it was only a few miles away. I wanted the kids to feel special. They were all brilliant, supported each other, played amazing rugby, and were smiling all day. They became a proper team.
4. Given the diverse range of impairments and health conditions among the players, such as autism, dyspraxia, and ADHD, what positive impacts have you observed since you began coaching?
So many. Skill wise – better hand eye co-ordination, fitness, understanding of the game. Personality wise it has been huge. The ability to work as a team, communicate and understand the needs of each other. I love it when they take the mickey out of each other – or me – it shows how comfortable they are in the environment.
5. In navigating the pan-disability sessions, what has been the most significant challenge you’ve encountered, and how did you address it?
None really. You just have to commit to it. The kids like routine, and the sessions have become part of their weekend. We only really take the summer school holidays off.
6. Away from coaching and rugby, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy in your leisure time?
My son and daughter are huge Manchester City fans, and we go to watch them when we can get tickets. Charlie also plays football with City in the Community on a Tuesday – which is a fantastic set up. Everything pretty much revolves around sport for the whole family – playing or watching.
7. You are the CEO of the independent podcast network Crowd Network, could you tell us about it and your role?
I was at the BBC for 18 years and for the last 10 was Editor of BBC Radio Sport. Podcasts came along which was a whole new opportunity, so we set up Crowd Network. We work with brands such as Red Bull, Greenpeace, and Chelsea FC on their audio strategy. We also create partnerships with sportspeople such as Joe Marler, Ben Youngs, Geraint Thomas, and Jimmy Bullard to establish their podcasts which we co-own. As CEO I try and deal with all the problems so everyone else can have fun.
We also encourage some of the younger members of the club to attend sessions and help with the training and organisation.
8. Recognising the importance of mental and physical well-being, what practices do you prioritise to maintain a healthy balance?
If my family is happy, I’m happy. I get out on my bike when I can and have two amazing dogs, Fonz and Fizz.
9. Could you identify three albums that have shaped your musical preferences, and do you still find yourself listening to them today?
I spend my time educating my kids on the enduring brilliance of 80s music – which Charlie is a fan of, less so my 16-year-old daughter. Anything by The Specials, New Order or The Jam.
I have some great memories and have made many lifelong friendships.
10. From your perspective, what are the three most notable aspects of Manchester that make it a special place?
The weather, a pint of Boddingtons and legendary former Manchester student venue Jabez Clegg on Portsmouth Street.
You can find out more about mixed ability rugby sessions by contacting Mike Carr at mixedabilityrugby@bowdonrufc.com
11. Lastly, who would you consider your top three sporting heroes of all time, and what attributes do you admire most about them?
I have worked with sports people for most of my career. They are great to work with, in most cases, because they are competitive, want to improve and are used to being coached. I don’t really have heroes – but rugby wise I was a big fan of Serge Blanco, Scott Gibbs, and Christian Cullen.
If you are a sporting provider or someone who have made their mark in sport and are interested in taking part in a Sporting Life interview, please drop us an email at enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk
