The Kyneton Football Club is hosting a come and try day to welcome new and old players to join its inclusive team for the 2022 season.
In 2021, the Tigers made history by fielding the shire’s first team in the Victorian Football Integration Development Association (FIDA).
FIDA provides an opportunity for members of the community with intellectual impairments to strap on the boots and give the sport a go in an environment that is suitable to their needs.
The league – which was established to accommodate people with disabilities – has grown steadily over its 30 year history, but before this season did not feature a team within an hour’s drive of the Macedon Ranges.
Speaking with Star Weekly in November 2021 after the club was named the winner of the AFL Victoria Club Inclusion Award, president Hayden Evans said he was proud as punch to lead a club that gave opportunities to all members of the community.
“We wanted to do everything we can to engage everyone in the community and that meant putting in the resources,” he said.
“We wanted to be a one club town, and to do that you have to engage the whole town. In the past we may have lost some parts of the community.”
Last season the club had approximately 25 male and female players join the side from across the Macedon Ranges.
The come and try day will be held on Wednesday, February 23 at 5.30pm at the Showground Bottom Oval.
New Tigers FIDA coach Pete ‘Yappa’ Connors said he hopes to see a great turn out.
“[I’m] excited to take on the role and would love to get the local community involved and support our passionate FIDA side in 2022,” he said.
“Come on down and have a kick and a feed.”
Oliver Lees
