The Kyneton Tigers are excited to announce they will be including a FIDA team under the Kyneton Football Netball Club banner for 2021.
FIDA, or Football Integration Development Association Football League, exists to provide Victorians with an intellectual disability the opportunity to participate in Australian Rules Football at a competitive level.
The Victorian FIDA Football League was first formed back in 1991 and is the oldest community based football league in the state for people with a disability.
Kyneton Football Netball Club also boasts a long history as a community club, being established in 1868 and most recently celebrating its 150th year.
The Tigers have been working hard both on and off the field to continually build strong connections with the community and create a culture of openness and inclusiveness.
“Knowing we have wonderful organisations like Windarring and Cobaw Community Health in the Macedon Ranges, both of which do amazing work to support people with a disability and their families, we just knew this was a great opportunity to ensure anyone who wanted to play AFL could have a place to access it at the Kyneton Tigers,” club president Hayden Evans said.
Newest recruit for the Kyneton Tigers FIDA team and long-time club member Hayden Walsh has played in FIDA teams at Echuca and Bendigo for the past three years, and is excited to now have a local team close by.
“It will bring the disability community together in our local area and give them a chance to play footy, and be part of a great sporting club,” he said.
Hayden also highlighted how it was a great opportunity for players to maintain good physical and mental health and fitness through exercise.
Zander Blanden, who has also played for FIDA teams in Bendigo, is equally happy Kyneton is creating a local FIDA team and can’t wait for the chance to train and play more footy, and kick torpedoes while helping his teammates kick more goals.
The club currently has teams across both the senior and junior leagues consisting of senior men’s and women’s football teams, A, B grade and under 17s netball, and junior boys’ and girls’ football.
President Hayden Evans is proud the new executive voted unanimously to accept the new FIDA team at the club.
“It’s great to now be able to add a FIDA team to the list and continue to provide more opportunities for people to access sport across the region,” he said.
Affiliated with AFL Victoria, the FIDA League provides an environment that promotes fitness, fun, friendship and a sense of belonging. Through participation in Australian Rules Football, it enhances life skills and develops self-esteem, confidence and improved health.
Kyneton Football Netball Club and FIDA league are hosting a come and try day on February 7 at 11am followed by a barbecue lunch.
Anyone interested in joining, volunteering, supporting or sponsoring the new Kyneton Tigers FIDA team is encouraged to go along to the free session or contact Elle Dow by email ceo@fida.org.au or register your interest via kfnc.secretary@gmail.com
