Isaac, an eight‑year‑old participant with Nystagmus, a condition that causes involuntary eye movements and results in registered sight impairment, is attending multisport sessions run by the Tigers Trust and Sight Support after joining in January.
Alongside his visual impairment, Isaac is also undergoing assessments for Autism and Dyspraxia, both of which contribute to difficulties with social interaction, communication, and physical coordination.
Before joining the programme, group activities often felt overwhelming for him, and he relied heavily on his parents for reassurance in unfamiliar environments.
When Isaac first arrived at the free Tuesday evening sessions at Northcott School, he appeared shy, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. Staff immediately noticed that he needed gentle encouragement and preferred to stay close to familiar adults rather than engage with the group.
His mum later explained that she chose not to tell him about the first session in advance, knowing that anticipation and worry might have led him to refuse to attend.
With consistent support from the Tigers Trust team, Isaac began to show steady and meaningful progress. The inclusive structure of the sessions helped him feel safe, capable, and supported. Activities were thoughtfully adapted to meet a wide range of needs, allowing Isaac to take part confidently without feeling overwhelmed.
Over the eight hours of provision he has attended so far, Isaac’s confidence has grown significantly. He progressed from using a lightweight inflatable ball to independently choosing a full‑sized basketball, a clear sign of his increasing coordination, strength, and self‑belief.
His enjoyment soon became unmistakable through his smiles, laughter, and celebratory high fives with staff. He now interacts openly with coaches and peers, approaching each session with enthusiasm rather than hesitation.
This progress has extended beyond the sessions themselves. His mum has noticed a “massive improvement” in his gross motor skills and recently shared that he received positive feedback during school PE, something she described as a major milestone, given his previous reluctance to take part.
Today, Isaac’s positive energy lifts those around him, and his willingness to embrace new challenges demonstrates the power of patient, inclusive coaching. As staff commented, “Isaac has become a key part of the session dynamic. He now initiates conversations and celebrates his successes with real pride.”
We are delighted to see how far you’ve come, Isaac!
Find out more about the Tigers Trust’s disability sessions and how you could get involved here
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