The greatest AFL supporter in Bendigo

Known around town as the number one supporter of Strathfieldsaye Storm Football Club, Jedd has been a passionate supporter of AFL since he was a boy.

A prominent character around the club since junior football, Jedd had gradually found it harder to transition into the senior grades.

Despite his love for the game, Jedd struggled with his self-confidence and independence.  His dream was to gain employment and one day be able to participate in a local football team again.

Intereach, the local NDIS Partner in the Community, recognised an opportunity to develop options for community members like Jedd that accommodated a wide range of abilities to participate in AFL.  Active in other regions of Victoria, the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) offers people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to play in Australian Rules Football at a competitive level.

Intereach worked with FIDA to host several ‘come-and-try’ sessions in Bendigo during late 2017 to gauge interest in fielding a locally based FIDA team.  Jedd attended one of the sessions and was very excited at the thought of being involved, developing his skills and playing his beloved AFL.

Due to the significant community interest in the Bendigo region, Intereach and partner organisations worked with FIDA and Strathfieldsaye Storm, and have now established a representative team for Bendigo to participate in the Northern Football League Competition.

Through the involvement with AFL Central Vic, a partner in the FIDA initiative, Jedd became aware of an employment opportunity within the AFL system. Intereach supported Jedd to apply and was delighted to learn that he was successful in his application to be an AFL All Abilities Ball Steward. Jedd’s mum Tammy said, “Thanks to Intereach for these opportunities. Jedd loved being a part of the FIDA program but it has been very rewarding to see our son achieve a life long goal that he enjoys so very much.”

Keen to get involved in FIDA, or sponsor the team?

• Phone: Daniel Reid on 0409 327 449 or email Daniel.Reid@ndis.gov.au
• Read more about Intereach LAC here:
• Keep up to date with FIDA Victoria here:
• Read more about AFL All Abilities here:

Jedd is pictured at AFL House in Melbourne:

And at his first game as an AFL All Abilities Ball Steward (second from right):