Everton Win First Ever National Amputee Football
Cup
The
Everton amputee squad, formed a mere 6 months ago and led by England
team captain Steve Johnson, was triumphant at the inaugural National
Amputee Football Cup, held at the JJB Soccerdome in Derby.
Teams
from across the country, representing Everton FC, Southend FC, Wimbledon
FC, Hull FC, Norwich AFC and Manchester AFC converged for this first
ever national amputee football cup.
The
Winning Everton Squad consisted of Steve Johnson, Jason Williams,
Pat Scott, Gary Sheriff, Steve Foster, Ben Houghton. |
Everton in Action |
The rules are
almost identical to 5-a-side, with the exception of there being
only four players on the pitch at one time. All outfield players
are leg amputees playing on crutches and goalkeepers are arm amputees.
The
action was fast, skilful and as physical as any similar non-disabled
5-a-side tournament. All the games entertained a small and enthusiastic
crowd including Rick Hofmann, Executive Director of the American
Amputee Soccer Association who had flown in just for the day’s
competition.
Rick,
impressed with what he saw said, “I'll be using what I learned
there to try to jump start an American program. Maybe we can have
a transatlantic 4 v 4 tournament before too long.”
The
final was Everton against a strong, young and energetic side from
Manchester, but experience prevailed and Everton came away with
a 4 – 1 win to take the trophy. Norwich managed to edge Hull to
claim third spot after a typically tense penalty shoot out, after
a long day’s football.
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Winning
captain Steve Johnson, who also coordinates grassroots disability
football through the English Federation of Disability Sport
was delighted in particular by the quality of a number of junior
players around on the day. “It’s pleasing to see junior players,
and especially those with the skill and potential to progress
to the adult national squad. As important though is that we
are creating more opportunities for players of any ability to
play football. Today we have seen England squad players in every
team playing along side novices and veterans, enjoying football
with athleticism and talent.”
Dave
Connor, Everton Football in the Community officer and England
amputee team Technical Advisor said, “Amputee football is growing
rapidly with new players getting involved across not just England,
but the UK every day. More players, as in any competitive sport
will create stronger competition for places, in turn improving
the standard of the national squad. The aim is to create a competitive
league structure to begin in September 2003 and by today’s showing
we are well on the way.”
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Everton
Skipper - Steve Johnson |
For more
details on amputee football information contact Steve Johnson on 0161
247 5294, Dave Connor on 0151 330 2307, or visit www.amputeefootball.co.uk
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