Jess Thompson, proud parent of Will Thomspon, one of our Brothers MRP Players, has truly embraced what the MRP is all about. Welcomed into the world-first program this year, Jess is thrilled with the positive impact it has had on Will and her family. Previously, Will had never been involved in a program, sports or otherwise, but with the guidance and support of his PlayerMentor Ben, Will has a new-found confidence and realised his potential in contributing to a team.
Jess Thompson offered a heart-warming and relatable account of both her and Will’s experience and involvement with the MRP.
Q: How did you hear about the MRP?
“My husband who used to play rugby himself heard about it from work from a colleague who mentioned it to him who also has a child on the autism spectrum. We had only just moved to Brisbane in December last year and were searching for something to get our son, Will, involved.”
Q: What enticed you towards the world-first program?
“Our son was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old – he is now 10. Throughout his life, we have never been able to participate in a team sport because it was too much for him to handle, so when we found out about the MRP and how it was specifically developed and designed for kids like him, we thought it was a great opportunity for Will to participate in a group activity.”
Q: As a parent, what was it like witnessing the healing power of rugby and to see Will having fun within a team environment?
“It has just been a huge confidence boost! The first week he went to school and wrote about the MRP and especially about his Mentor, Ben… Will hates writing, which has always been part of his autism, so it was a huge milestone for Will and us as a family! He actually got a Principal Award for his writing piece!
Will always talks about how much he looks up to Ben, loves having friends that are just like him and personally, we love being able to be part of something as a family that aren’t being constantly looked at for how he behaves in certain situations.
It has just been wonderful for everybody!”
Q: Describe your proudest ‘MRP moment’
“It has literally been just him wanting to turn up each week. We have tried to all – from swimming to AFL, coming from Melbourne – but his anxiety has always stopped him from participating. He just loves it so much, he wishes it could be every day!
But my proudest MRP moment would have been Will’s first training session where he met one of the older Colts MRP Players and struck up a friendship with him. He came to me and said ‘Oh Mum! Jackson has autism as well…’ He was just so excited to have the chance to talk with someone on his same wavelength and it was just amazing to see!”
