A global, virtual train-the-trainer model supporting individuals with autism to start golfing and participate in other sports

Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports helps people with autism start golf and other sports worldwide. The Els for Autism Foundation provides free or low‑cost online coach training and curricula to Official Programme Providers. By mid‑2025 it had 102 golf, 9 tennis and 8 fitness OPPs.

Els for Autism Foundation, launched in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els in Florida, supports individuals with autism through sports. Its Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports Project uses a train-the-trainer model and structured curricula for motor, communication, and social skills. By 2025, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports programs had reached thousands of participants across 12 countries. Since 2015, the initiative has grown to include 102 golf, 9 tennis, and 8 fitness Official Program Providers. The foundation plans to double its number of tennis and fitness trainers (known as Official Programme Providers), add aquatics, and expand to two more sports by 2030.

Problems Targeted

Many sport clubs, community centres, and organizations lack staff who are adequately trained to support individuals with disabilities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports Project programme, developed by the Els for Autism Foundation, uses instructional practices and evidence-base applied behaviour analysis. The interactive modules use video modelling, social narratives, visual schedules, signs, and step-by-step skill breakdowns to remove barriers, enabling participants to anticipate, understand, and successfully learn the fundamentals of a sport. The process employs many clear, easy-to-see tools to help participants know what to expect next, and consequently to feel confident. Each day they get visual guides showing the schedule, the lesson, and the activities. Signs, picture cards, and step-by-step visuals explain where to go, what the rules are, and how to learn and execute each skill. Coaches also use timers, whistles, and point cards so everyone knows when stations start and end. Moreover, participants can earn rewards for staying focused and joining actively in lessons. Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports is delivered globally by its Official Programme Providers (OPPs), who receive training via an online portal to ensure consistent standards and accessibility. Training to become an OPP is free of charge. However, this may change depending on future funding support and resource availability. Upon completion of the online training, OPPs get access to online curricula materials and meet virtually with the programme coordinator on the sports ground, who provides support throughout the implementation process. Since 2015, the initiative has grown to include 102 golf, 9 tennis, and 8 fitness Official Program Providers. By 2025, the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports programs have reached thousands of participants across 12 countries, and the foundation plans to double the number of tennis and fitness OPPs, launch an aquatics curriculum, and expand into two new sports by 2030.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports is funded by the Els for Autism Foundation, donor grants, and public partnerships. Trainings and curricula are licensed free or at minimal cost, supporting global scale through partner clubs. (#ZeroCall26)

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