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Writes: Edward Perry
“It’s a tough group, but we shouldn’t fear anyone,” the words of Men’s national team head coach, Scott Rogers’ following the EAFF European Championships group stage draw.
Rogers was in Evian, France, to learn of his side’s group-stage opponents ahead of June’s European Championships. Speaking to the official EAFA website, Scott provided his thoughts on the draw, preparations for the tournament and how the nation has supported the team.
England will play Italy, Georgia and Netherlands - and Scott is under no illusions of the task at hand. “We have been drawn in a tough group where each team won their respective Nations League divisions,” Rogers told the EAFA website.
But it’s a challenge that Rogers and his staff are preparing the squad for, he continued: “That said, we shouldn’t fear anyone. We are very capable of doing well in this group and we are confident if we play to our potential we can progress to the next phase of the competition.”
The Boss visited the facilities where the team will play and stay while in France, “It’s a really picturesque venue with great views of the French Alps around us,” Scott recalled.
“Facilities wise, we will have everything we need and we will be well looked after by the French Federation.”
Despite the uncertainty around our involvement in the competition, England’s preparations haven’t changed since the turn of the year.
“Preparations are going really well. We haven’t really had a break since we won the Nations League and over the last six months we have been working on something a bit different,” Scott told us.
“The players have adapted really well to what we have asked them to do and hopefully people will get to see that at the Euros.”
As much as the players on the pitch are progressing, off the pitch Rogers has strengthened his staffing group, he said: “The staff have been incredible. We have made a few additions to the staffing team and their transition into the team has been seamless.”
“We have been rigorous with our recruitment and we feel we have got a highly skilled group that will give the players the best possible environment to succeed.”
Scott appeared on ITV’s This Morning with members of his squad last week (13th March) and their plea for funding was met by immense generosity from the nation.
“We were truly humbled by the response from the public. We are very grateful to ITV for allowing us to showcase our wonderful sport,” said Rogers as he reflected on such significance.
“We left the studio about 11:30am and by 12pm we had raised the necessary funds to send us to the Euros”
“We would like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to donate and support us in our campaign to raise the £30k to get us to the European Championships.”
“It was incredibly humbling to witness the community spirit and compassion to help us. Hopefully, we can repay everyone with a successful Euro 2024 campaign.”
But the need for support does not end there. For EAFA to continue making a difference, more financial support is needed.
“While we deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone in recent weeks, our vision for Amputee Football in England extends far beyond the present. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable future for Amputee Football that spans generations,” Scott stated.
"To achieve this, we rely entirely on donations, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives. We invite individuals to join us on this journey and take us to the next level.”
Your support will go towards ensuring EAFA can continue to bring Amputee Football to as many people as possible.
“Sponsors are crucial in supporting our National Teams, Junior Programme, and League format, enabling us to offer a world-class environment for individuals with limb deficiencies or amputations.”
“Every contribution to this remarkable cause helps us build something truly exceptional,” Rogers concluded.
The European Championships begin on June 1st in France. Keep up with all the action on the EAFA socials.
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