Suns ready for new season

MEMBERS of one of Bendigo’s most inclusive sport clubs could barely contain their excitement to be back preparing for another season.

Last Wednesday, the Bendigo FIDA Suns held their first come-and-try training session of the year at the Tom Flood Sports Centre.

The club competes in in the Victorian Football Integration Development Association Football League, which provides people with an intellectual disability an opportunity to play Australian rules football competitively.

Caitlin Pearce, who has played at the club for three years, said it was nice to see new and returning faces.

“It’s good to see the players back together again, I would say they’ve been missing each other because they’re so happy to see each other,” she said.

“We’re excited for another year, and we hope to win this year.”

Ms Pearce said players join the club for various reasons, but all have a love of football in common.

“Some players come out to interact with other people, other players are looking for something to do on the weekend, most come out because they want to play football and there’s not many teams in Bendigo that have special groups,” she said. “It’s just a nice community.”

Committee member Jedd Manton said this season the Suns will compete against Kyneton and Rupertswood, with Bendigo’s two teams making up a four-team league, after Ballarat’s club announced it will join the Melbourne conference.

Games will be played in a carnival style with one to two matches played each month across the different towns, however the fixture has not been finalised.

Mr Manton said no matter when or where the matches are, the Suns will be ready to play.

“I think the players will be competitive again,” he said.

“We all know it’s been tough for everyone in the last two years with COVID and the impacts that’s had on peoples physical and mental health. We’ll be strong, but the players are just looking forward to playing again.”