About FIDA
We are building inclusive communities across Victoria through Australian Rules Football. Our mission is to ensure players of all abilities have the chance to belong, connect, and thrive.
Mission
Our Mission & History
FIDA’s mission is to provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to play Australian Rules football. Our purpose is to celebrate ability, build community, and ensure everyone can participate in the game they love.
Founded 1991
FIDA is established to create inclusive football opportunities.
First Competition – 1992
First official FIDA matches held, setting the foundation for growth.
League Expansion – 2000s
Teams and regions grow across Victoria, broadening access.
Statewide Recognition – 2010s
Formal recognition by AFL and partners, strengthening support.
Today
A thriving statewide league with strong community, inclusion, and accessibility.
Impact
Transforming lives through inclusive football
FIDA’s commitment goes beyond the game. We create opportunities that empower players, build communities, and break down barriers across Victoria.
In 2025, FIDA was recognised as a finalist in two disability inclusion awards for its InLife Tackle Free Carnivals, receiving a Highly Commended in one — a reflection of our community’s spirit and impact.
Message from our President, logan whitaker
At FIDA, our mission is simple — to ensure every player has the chance to belong, connect, and thrive through football. From our first season in 1992 to today, we’ve seen the power of inclusion transform lives and communities. I’m proud to lead an organisation that continues to break down barriers and champion opportunity for people of all abilities.
Board
Meet Our Board of directors
Behind FIDA is a dedicated Board of Directors who guide our strategic direction and uphold our mission of creating inclusive football communities across Victoria. Their leadership ensures that every player, family, club and volunteer is supported to belong, connect and thrive.
Logan Whitaker
President
The Cotton On Foundation is a global NGO that has raised over AU$200 million and generates more than AU$20 million annually. Cotton On Foundation’s success lies in its unique fundraising model: customers across the Cotton On business’ 1,500 global stores purchase items like bottled water and tote bags, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting impact. Today, one Foundation product is sold every two seconds globally.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Cotton On Foundation focuses on holistic education, youth mental health, and environmental projects that span Uganda, South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand, the USA, Brazil, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.
In addition to his work with the Cotton On Foundation, Logan is the President of FIDA, a Victorian based charity that runs a football league for people with an intellectual disability. Logan is Melbourne born and bred and lives in Northcote with his partner Dayna and two young children, Cedar & Woody.
Peter Fisher
Vice President
Tamara Startin
Treasurer
Tamara worked 20 years in broadcast television mostly with Channel 7, and has driven trams through Melbourne and now works with V/Line. In all Tamara’s roles she is proud to represent and share lived experiences, and to raise awareness and create equality.
John Kostopulos
Secretary
Ryan Power
Board Member
Paul House
Board Member
He has more than 15 years’ experience across the not-for-profit, corporate and membership sectors, including a senior role with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Remunerator. A former VFL Academy Coach with Collingwood Football Club, he brings a people-first approach to leadership and a passion for using finance to enable positive social impact.
Chris Ryan
Board Member
Her qualifications include a Trained Infant Teachers Certificate and a Graduate Diploma of Special Education. She has taught in primary and special schools in both metropolitan and rural areas where her interest in sport has resulted in her coaching netball teams and implementing sporting activities. After retiring from the Department of Education Chris was employed by Victoria University in working with trainee primary and secondary teachers.
As Assistant Principal in a large metropolitan school she served on School Council, Administration Boards and was involved in staff employment and assessment. Her roles included coordinating a whole school integration program involving planning, implementing programs for students with special needs and working and liaising with outside agencies.
Chris is a Life Member of FIDA and has a passion for ensuring that all people with special needs have a voice.
Ryder Jack
Board member
With over 20 years of experience, his talents for disrupting the old school male stereotype, with men young and old, are unmatched. He is a master at creating safe spaces that give permission for males to actively practice healthy traits that strengthen emotional muscle, communication, resilience, and help-seeking.
In his role as principal facilitator, content and training lead at Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman, Ryder, alongside a team of expert facilitators, has led countless immersive experiences in Australian schools, communities, amateur and elite sporting organisations, and work environments.
Staff
Our Staff
FIDA’s staff team work at the heart of our organisation, supporting players, clubs and volunteers across Victoria. They deliver the day-to-day programs, partnerships and community initiatives that bring FIDA’s mission to life.
Amanda Bresnan
General Manager
Amanda Bresnan is an experienced executive leader with more than 20 years working across government, community services and the not-for-profit sector. As FIDA’s General Manager, she oversees the organisation’s operations, partnerships and strategic programs, ensuring players, clubs and volunteers across Victoria are supported to participate and thrive.
Amanda’s background spans health policy, disability, social services, women’s wellbeing, alcohol and drug services, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. She has held senior roles including CEO, Board Director, and Member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, where she contributed to high-level policy, legislative processes and community advocacy.
Her expertise includes organisational strategy, program development, government engagement, policy reform and change management. Amanda also serves on several community boards and committees, and brings a strong commitment to inclusion, equity and strengthening opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through Australian Rules Football.
Kyle Povah
Football Operations Manager
Kyle Povah is an experienced football operations leader with a strong background in community sport, talent development, and competition management. Before joining FIDA, he worked across multiple levels of Australian rules football, including roles with the Darebin Falcons, AFL Goulburn Murray, Eastern Ranges, AFL Queensland, and AFL Victoria. His experience spans league operations, game development, event management, club engagement, and supporting inclusive participation pathways across regional and metropolitan communities.
Kyle brings practical expertise in sport administration, coaching, and program delivery, supported by formal qualifications in Sport Management from the University of Canberra. His work across clubs, leagues, and development programs has given him a deep understanding of how inclusive environments are built—from grassroots Auskick programs through to senior community competitions.
At FIDA, Kyle oversees the day-to-day football operations of the league, working closely with clubs, volunteers, and partners to ensure competitions run smoothly and continue to grow. He plays a key role in strengthening pathways for players with intellectual disabilities, supporting clubs with resources and governance, and helping deliver safe, welcoming, community-focused football across Victoria.
OUR SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS
Our work is made possible by dedicated organisations committed to breaking down barriers in sport.
Interested in partnering with FIDA?
Policies & governance
Our governance documents and policies are available here for transparency and accountability.