New amputee football team already eyeing cup glory

An amputee football team has held its inaugural training session for women after qualifying for a major cup final just months after forming.

Cambridge City FC's amputee team was only entered into the mixed England Amputee Football Association (EAFA) league in February.

They are now poised to face off against Chelsea for the FA Disability Cup at St George's Park and, if they win their last league game, could also qualify for Europe.

In preparation, the team held its first all-female training session on Saturday, which was also attended by former players from the Amputee Lionesses.

Manager Duncan Rumbelow said there was a lack of opportunities for amputee footballers in East Anglia but that the team was "really starting to bond".

"They're playing as an established team that has played together years, and we really didn't think [we would have this much success] in our first season," he said.

"What's really important for me is when you look at the pictures afterwards, they're all playing with smiles on their faces – they're enjoying it."

The squad is made up of male and female players, including some signed from Portsmouth, and also former England and Ireland internationals.

One of those is ex-Lioness Isabelle Papandronicou, who said she was "feeling quite confident" ahead of the team's biggest match to date on 27 June.

"It's going to be a tough game, don't get me wrong – it's a cup final and it's Chelsea that we're playing, but we are going to give it a good go," she told the BBC.

"We've got a solid squad, and I think it's all to play for."

Papandronicou had always wanted to play football but did not think it would be possible after losing her leg to a rare congenital condition aged 14.

But two years ago, the 28-year-old discovered that amputee football "was a thing" – something she says she may have known sooner if not for "a lack of representation".

She now hopes the success of Cambridge's new team will raise awareness of the sport and inspire other young people to get on the pitch like she did.

"I didn't know you could actually play football on crutches, but then I got involved and I guess the rest is history, really," she said.

"I spent a lot of time trying to hide it and now I feel like I'm the opposite because I'm proud of who I am – it really helps you to accept your disability.

"I'm so grateful for what I have achieved and so happy that young people will get opportunities that I didn't have when I first lost my leg – that's what I wanted."

One of the younger players benefitting from that increase in opportunities is another ex-Lioness, Marni Voak, 19, from Hertfordshire.

"Emotionally, mentally and physically, it makes the world of difference," she said.

"It honestly is nothing but positives being involved in amputee football and has been since I started, and I'm very excited [for the final] – it should be good."

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