Welcome to the 2023 Season of FIDA
(Offering football to people with an intellectual disability, aged 18 and over)
Contact Name: Clinic Coordinator - Steven Johnston
Email Address: Montrose FIDA Contact
The Montrose Football Club, in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council and the Football Integration Development Association, FIDA, are offering people with an intellectual disability, aged 18 and over, the opportunity to learn the skills of Australian Rules Football. The Clinics began at Montrose in 2004 and several successful school and weekend Clinics were co-ordinated by David Harbinson, then MFC Secretary, who worked for Melba Support Services. The Clinics are a joint initiative between the Montrose Football Club, Yarra Ranges Council and Access for all Abilities.
The Clinics include skill development activities including drills, games and practice matches, similar to what is being offered at Auskick Clinics. It is hoped the players will learn the skills of the game and may be recruited to the Ringwood Blues or other local FIDA teams ( for people over 18) or other mainstream junior sides if that is possible. The participants may also choose to stay with our FIDA Clinics for as long as they wish.
2023 is the 19th season the Club has conducted the Clinics and there is now a strong core group of regulars who really enjoy attending and the lunch afterwards with parents, carers and the coaching team. We welcome new participants at any time. The only requirement in the way of uniform is footy boots and comfortable clothing. All participants are provided with a Montrose FC Guernsey by one of our generous sponsors, the Lilydale Rotary Club. On the Saturday following the last clinic each season, there is a Presentation morning tea attended by Club officials, sponsors of the Clinics, coaches, and of course all participants, family and friends.
A specific program has been designed by senior coaches, so that sessions are structured to follow a guided format. This allows participants to develop skills progressively. Participants are expected to provide their own transport to and from the activity.
Montrose Football Club also welcomes spectators with a Disability to all home games, as well as their parents and carers. The pavilion is access friendly, with a lift to the first floor and ramp at the front entrance.
All clinics are held at the Montrose Football Club, 950 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road Montrose, between 11am and 1pm on Sunday’s during the season.
There is a $10 fee to attend each clinic and that includes lunch.
If participants are eligible for the NDIS the club provides receipts for each attendance fee paid.
For further information please contact the FIDA Clinic Co-Ordinator,
Steven Johnston
Mobile: 0419 376 584
Email: FIDA Contact