Inspirational young footballers from our partners the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA) shared their stories on BBC’s popular The One Show on Monday.
Junior team members Arthur, aged 9, and Harry, 11, were filmed in action on Reaseheath College’s all weather 3G pitch during the first junior camp of the year. They also told their stories of how their determination to play football again had given them a focus following traumatic surgery. Arthur had an upper right leg amputation following a cancer diagnosis and Harry lost his foot after a car accident outside his school.
Both boys are new to the EAFA programme. Arthur, who is receiving chemotherapy, spoke of his determination to play at centre forward again while Harry said how much he enjoyed getting back onto the pitch again as part of a team.
Junior Programme Co-Ordinator Elaine Oakey explained: “Young people come to us at the toughest of times. They believe they’ll never play football again and some get selected to the squad and even go on to represent England.
Junior Coach Harry Smith added: “Our players receive amazing support. There are no barriers and we treat everyone as an individual. It takes a lot of skill to play amputee football and we give them those skills and the confidence to take it as far as they wish.”
Reaseheath College in Nantwich is the home of EAFA, which uses the college’s extensive and modern sports facilities for all its junior and senior training.
EAFA’s junior camps enable 2-16 year old amputees and those with limb affecting disabilities to try football in a fun, secure and friendly environment. Sessions cater to all abilities and are led by dedicated and fully qualified FA licensed coaches. Some former junior camp attendees have gone on to play competitively in the national league and even represented the England at the recent World Cup in Turkey.
For further information visit www.theeafa.org
