The group of kids were older. I estimated around fifteen or sixteen years of age. There were about ten to fifteen of them, all with one goal in mind and the determination that no one would stop them.

The tall one shouted, he was loud and vocal, but I didn’t turn my head, I continued to watch.

The wall was in front of them, about eight foot high, leading to a platform where you got a full aerial view of the park. The ultimate superior position a group of teenagers would want to claim as their victory.

I watched.

The trampoline was at the bottom of the wall – a purposely positioned stunt for jumpers who had the skill.

“Lift on three” the boy shouted, and they crouched down and let a girl use their thighs as steps while being lifted to the eight foot height. As she claimed her position on the elevated level, the cheers erupted before the next person took their position.

The teamwork was structured and executed with precision. Each person lifted or bounced up to the platform.

As I became engrossed in the scene I forgot about my son for a second, and only realised when he came into view. He had started to jump on the trampoline alongside the group. Jumping in a position of risk that someone being hoisted upwards may fall or harm him.

I rushed forward quickly, but was too late. One of the boys had walked forward and taken his hand. He used no words, but led him off the trampoline to the one adjacent, smiled and went back to his group.

I nodded and thanked him, but I got no response.

It took ten minutes for everyone to reach the platform. A cheer at every successful teammate making the ascent. The smiles were infectious, and I felt the pride in their hearts, and clapped in celebration with the crowd.

We were at the trampoline inclusivity session. Most of this group of teenagers had additional needs. They were children who had been labelled as having social challenges. Communication difficulties. Problem children.

But I saw none of that.

I saw a group of young adults who were kind, caring, social, fun and most importantly teammates. Not one of the group had been singled out or excluded. Their aim had been to get every one onto that platform, and they had succeeded.

I watch this group of kids every week. Sometimes they play tag. Sometimes they climb. Sometimes they jump. But I also notice that they are always looking over their shoulder to check they have never left anyone behind.

Because they are a team.

Today Rhys was jumping with two other children from his class. Not one word was being spoken. They just jumped happily alongside. Their challenges ten years behind the group I had been watching.

I hope one day they will be helping each other up onto that platform. I hope their future is as exciting as what I have just watched. Because they are already smashing down barriers which have been putting before them. They are changing the world in their own special way.

Who knows what will happen in time!