FIDA and the InLife Tackle Free Carnivals

We’re proud to partner with FIDA, the Football Integration Development Association, to support inclusive footy across Victoria.

Together, we deliver the InLife Tackle Free Carnivals, a series of friendly community football days where players of all abilities can play, connect and feel part of a team.

Across the footy season, 4 carnivals are held around Victoria, bringing together hundreds of players, families, supporters, volunteers and people from the wider FIDA community.

About FIDA

FIDA creates inclusive footy opportunities for players of all abilities, making it easier for people to get involved, connect and feel part of a team.

Through local clubs, carnivals and game-day support, FIDA helps create welcoming football environments where people can build confidence, meet others and enjoy the game in a way that works for them.

It’s practical inclusion, built around something many Victorians already love.

About the InLife Tackle Free Carnivals

The InLife Tackle Free Carnivals are relaxed, welcoming footy days held across Victoria during the season.

They give players a chance to experience the game in a supportive, tackle-free environment. Some players come with their local team. Others join in through the InLife Local Legends, giving people without a team on the day a chance to play.

There’s footy, warm-ups, handball games, cheering from the sidelines, music, merch and plenty of people helping bring the day together.

The feel is friendly and community-led. It’s about having a go, meeting people and being included in a way that works for each person.

InLife’s role on the day

InLife is the naming partner of the Tackle Free Carnivals, and our involvement is hands-on.

At each carnival, InLife staff and people from our broader network volunteer across the day. You’ll often find us:

• umpiring games
• running water
• helping with warm-ups
• supporting set-up and pack-down
• running handball competitions
• bringing along merch and activities
• cheering from the sidelines
• jumping in wherever an extra pair of hands is needed

We also run the InLife Local Legends team, which helps players without a team on the day get involved.

Each carnival has its own mix of familiar faces and new people. At one carnival, the Local Legends even created their own chant, which probably says more about the spirit of the day than any formal description could.

A day out for clients, families and teams

The carnivals are also a great day out for people who come along to watch.

InLife support workers and coordinators have brought clients to the carnivals to cheer from the sidelines, enjoy the atmosphere and be part of the wider community around the event.

For some people, being involved means playing. For others, it might mean watching, meeting people, joining in with an activity or simply enjoying a morning around the footy.

Everyone can be part of the day in their own way.

More ways we support FIDA

Our partnership with FIDA also gives us other opportunities to support inclusive football and community connection.

In April 2026, InLife took part in the FIDA Footy4Everyone Cup, an exhibition match between Members of Parliament and the FIDA InLife Local Legends at Fearon Reserve in Williamstown.

The Local Legends won the inaugural cup in a close game, with players from across the FIDA community coming together to launch the 2026 season.

While this match sits separately from the InLife Tackle Free Carnivals, it reflects the same shared purpose: bringing people together through footy, inclusion and community participation.

Recognised for inclusive sport

In 2025, FIDA was recognised at the Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards, receiving a Highly Commended acknowledgement in the Sport Initiative or Event of the Year category for the InLife Tackle Free Carnivals.

It was a lovely recognition for the FIDA community and everyone who helps bring the carnivals to life.

Why this partnership matters to us

For InLife, this partnership is about community, inclusion and belonging.

Those words only mean something when they show up in real life. At the carnivals, they show up in simple, practical ways: players getting a game, volunteers helping out, people cheering each other on, and everyone having a place around the ground.

That’s why we’re proud to be involved.

A word from InLife

“The InLife Tackle Free Carnivals are such a great example of what community and inclusion can look like when people come together with the right intent. We love being part of the day, whether that’s volunteering on the ground, cheering the Local Legends on from the sidelines, or helping create a space where everyone feels welcome and connected.”

Sophie Whitwell
Senior Community Engagement Manager, InLife

Get involved

Keen to come along to a future FIDA event? We’d love to see you there.

If you or your organisation would like to get involved in future FIDA events or explore a community partnership with InLife, we’d love to hear from you.