THE St Francis Xavier (SFX) Saints are on the march in Beaconsfield, as the new Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) team continues to grow and attract players and supporters.
The club held its first ever family day on Sunday, welcoming along family and friends and also acknowledging the many people who have helped this concept become a reality.
With its focus on supporting local clubs and organisations, the Beaconsfield District Community Bank was seen as a perfect fit to be the major sponsor of the club, with the Saints players welcoming representatives of the bank to their round seven match on the weekend.
The idea to set up the team first evolved during the 2014 football season, with Saints secretary Jen McKenna contacting FIDA (an affiliate body of AFL Victoria) to discuss the viability of a new local FIDA team. FIDA conducts a football competition for people with an intellectual disability, providing an opportunity for male and female players aged from 14 to 40 years-of-age to participate in fortnightly matches across the football season.
Prior to the establishment of the SFX Saints, there was no local team in the Beaconsfield/Berwick region for players to be involved with.
After a year of planning, the Saints launched their 2015 season in April at St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield. They have since played a number of home-and-away rounds, with the players and their families turning up each fortnight to get a taste of footy action.
Jen has worked hard to put together a small team of volunteers to oversee the establishment of the SFX Saints and the club has been successful in attracting a number of players and their families to become involved. Local St Francis Xavier footy identity Simon van Dam has overseen the development of the team as the inaugural coach, inspiring the players with his positive approach to being involved and a focus on enjoyment and participation.
As part of the family day morning tea prior to Sunday’s match against Lower Plenty, committee member Paddy McKenna thanked a number of people for their wonderful support in helping the club get off the ground.
He acknowledged Logan Whitaker (FIDA general manager) and Peter Fisher (FIDA board member) for their help and assistance in setting up the club. The major sponsor of the Saints, Beaconsfield District Community Bank, was recognised for its support, with Paddy thanking the representatives in attendance Andrew Gardner (branch manager), Maurie Potter and Greg Tomamichael (directors).
The assistance of St Francis Xavier College and the SFX Old Collegians Football Club was also highlighted, with the college generously providing training and match facilities for the club.
Further details regarding the FIDA competition can be found on their website www.fida.org.au
Details about the SFX Saints can be found at www.sfxsaints.org
