When you have a community, it can change everything – just ask Belinda Willoughby.
Before joining FIDA (aka the Football Integration Development Association), it was a challenge for Belinda to get out and talk to other people. But once she donned her footy boots and got on the field, her courage grew.
“I loved it,” Belinda says.
FIDA is a place of belonging for Belinda and more than 800 other football players with intellectual disability, plus their supporters.
Founded in 1991 and operating across 28 clubs throughout Victoria, FIDA is the leading organisation for inclusive football – and it hits the mark off the field as well as on it.
“Football’s a vehicle to provide people with intellectual impairment with access to all sorts of supports that you get in a football environment, so things like health and wellbeing, access to employment, and a community,” says FIDA president, Logan Whitaker.
Raldy McCoullough, proud parent of FIDA footy player, Caleb, agrees.
“FIDA has shown Caleb that there is something out there for people with disability,” he says.
“Just in his normal life, Caleb’s stepping up. FIDA leadership has come along, and he hasn’t stepped back.”
FIDA is all about fitness, fun, friendship, and a real sense of belonging – and above all, it fosters a culture of respect. That’s why My Plan Manager is proudly partnering with the organisation to bring footy to people across Victoria.
Being part of a sporting movement that's committed to creating opportunities for everyone to lace up their boots, get outdoors, and join their mates (old and new) in a bit of friendly fun – who wouldn't want to throw their support behind that?
Thanks for having us FIDA!
To learn more about FIDA and how you can get involved, click here.
