Newcastle United Foundation amputee team celebrate European tournament weekend

Newcastle United Foundation’s amputee football team have realised their ambition of competing overseas after securing fourth in a European tournament over the weekend.

The squad, who train together at free weekly disability football sessions led by Foundation coaching staff, entered the Anpfiff ins Leben Cup in Cologne, Germany, as the only UK team involved in the competition.

Joining teams from across Europe, the Cup brought together amputee players who continue to play the sport they love through specialist sessions adapted for participants of all abilities.

The Foundation’s squad were drawn in Group B alongside Anpfiff Hoffenheim, Royal Antwerp and FSV Mainz 05, winning the first group stage with two wins and one draw, before moving into the second group stage with Fortuna Düsseldorf, SG Nord-Ost and FSV Mainz 05.

Three defeats in the stage moved the Foundation into the play-offs, with a narrow 2-1 defeat to FSV Mainz 05 closing the team’s cup tournament in fourth overall.

Steven O’Neill, Football Development Officer within Newcastle United Foundation’s disability delivery team, said: “This was our first year as part of the Anpfiff ins Leben Cup and as the only team invited into the tournament from the UK, it was a real honour to travel to Germany to play.

“Everyone did an amazing job and the team played seven games in total. They won their group finishing on seven points and then entered the play-offs to decide third and fourth.

“It was a great achievement to finish fourth overall and Jamie Oakley scored nine goals during the tournament, finishing the third top goal scorer. As a coaching team, we are incredibly proud of all the players.

“We look forward to returning next year and bringing the Cup home.”

As official charity arm of the Newcastle United, the Foundation provides professional disability football coaching for adults and children with a range of disabilities through an inclusive approach to sport, funded by the UEFA Foundation for Children. The programme uses the power of football to inspire young people to meet, play and socialise in a safe and engaging space.

Earlier this season, Newcastle United Foundation’s adult Down syndrome football team won the Donosti Cup after joining a competition bringing together thousands of young people from across Europe for the annual Spanish tournament.

The team celebrated securing their silverware with a lap of honour in front of thousands of supporters at St. James’ Park during the Sela Cup, presented by Visit Malta.

The charity delivers free, weekly amputee football sessions for male and female players under 16, as well as adult sessions and welcome players of all abilities. To register for an amputee football session or any other disability football group, visit nufoundation.org.uk

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