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Women’s amputee football team prepares for its first World Cup

Harry November 2, 2024

England women’s amputee football team playing in the sport’s first World Cup

Seven women from the Pete Muller Amputee football team sit in chairs, with six members of the team standing next to them. They are all wearing England football jerseys and smiling at the camera. The jerseys are white except for two goalkeeper players who wear red and pink jerseys. They're all outside in front of a pagoda. — England women’s amputee football team playing in the sport’s first World Cup

Harry Smith has only been head coach of England’s women’s amputee football team for two months, but the team flies to Colombia on Saturday to take part in the sport’s first World Cup.

“It was all a bit crazy,” the 28-year-old laughed as he told the BBC about the team’s whirlwind experience heading into the tournament.

The Worcester coach said: “This is a really pinch-yourself moment. “When I started coaching it was my dream to represent my country.

“It doesn’t get any better than this.”

The team, which trains in Nantwich, will play its first match against Peru on Monday.

“I think everyone is incredibly excited right now. We’re going to a World Cup that we never thought we’d be going to,” Mr Smith said.

Games involve seven teams, each lasting 25 minutes.

The team’s head coach, Harry Smith, studied Sports Coaching Science at the University of Worcester before coaching amputee football.

Mr Smith said: “The rules don’t change too much, the ultimate aim is to get the ball in the net.

“It’s a sport that everyone loves, it’s a beautiful game, just in a different format.”

The team includes: Annabel Kiki, 16, from CannockA player who plays as a striker.

About playing in the World Cup, she told the BBC: “It means a lot to me and all the girls here because life can be hard for a lot of people and it’s all about what you do about it.”

“All these girls looked forward. I mean, we’re going to the World Cup. I never thought I’d say that in my life. But I’m so proud of these girls.”

The team will play its first match of the tournament against Peru on Monday.

PDR Photos A woman with her leg amputated kicks the ball; her body sways upward as she leans on crutches. He wears a football jersey consisting of a black t-shirt, black shorts, long black socks, and a trainer on one leg. He is on a football field and in the background three people sitting on chairs and one person standing are watching him. — The team will play its first match of the tournament against Peru on Monday.

The team has attracted a lot of attention since appearing on BBC Breakfast, helping more people become aware of the sport.

“The general reaction is that people are amazed at how physical and skillful the sport is,” Mr. Smith said.

“People think it’s too slow and they think it’s clumsy; then they see the sport and say wow, look how skilled, how amazing the players are, how strong they are.”

The team includes players from all walks of life, some amputees due to cancer or accidents, others born with limb deficiencies.

“We have girls from all walks of life, and when they come together you get a great sense of relatability between the girls,” the 28-year-old actress said.

“This person understands what you are going through and there is a great sense of togetherness in the group.

“When you walk into the training room you can really feel that family atmosphere, the girls really care about each other.

“The past is in the past and they are just focusing on where they are now and the amazing opportunities that lie ahead. They are an amazing group and we are family.”

“The general reaction is that people are amazed at how physical and skillful the sport is,” Mr. Smith said.

PDR Photos A goalkeeper in the team, whose arm was amputated, catches the ball with his hand. When he is in goal, he bends down to catch the ball. He wears an orange vest over a black T-shirt, black shorts, black socks and blue sneakers. — “The general reaction is that people are amazed at how physical and skillful the sport is,” Mr. Smith said.

But leading the Lionesses to the first amputee women’s football World Cup was not an easy journey.

The team needed to raise £50,000 to qualify for the groundbreaking tournament in South America.

It wasn’t until they appeared on the BBC Breakfast show that they had achieved their goal, then the team reached their target overnight.

Among the fans was former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, who donated money and jerseys to the team, invited them to Stamford Bridge, trained with them and took them to the women’s game at the ground in the evenings.

“He was incredibly impressed with the skill level of the sport,” Mr Smith said.

“John was incredible. He picked up the story and helped share it, and his support for the girls was amazing.”

Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry helps team meet fundraising target

Liam Sully Media Six members of the women's team wearing matching jerseys stand next to John Terry in a black hat and jumper. They all put their arms around each other and smile at the camera on the Stamford Bridge football field. Blue seats and a football field can be seen behind them. — Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry helps team meet fundraising target

While the coach is excited that the team has reached its fundraising goal, he wants the team to have financial stability so they don’t need to fundraise for every tournament they play.

“This is about investing in sport and charities through sponsorships and media deals,” he said.

“For them to get to know us as a sport and see its importance.”