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Writes: Sam Seddon-Davies
Amputee Lionesses team bench during the national anthem. Credit: Darcie Willis
The England Women’s National Team kick-started their life on the international stage in two terrific matches over the weekend.
The Amp Futbol Cup offered great action from the Hutnik Aktywna Warszawa Centre, including that between the English and Polish Women's teams.
Though they fell to defeat in both games, our Lionesses displayed the many talents they have worked on in training camps throughout the year.
The squad challenged one of the most experienced nations in women's amputee football and held their own as they took Poland to the limit, even getting the ball into the net in what became a disallowed goal.
Off the pitch, both teams rejoiced in meeting up again since the EAFF camp earlier this March, reuniting with old friends and sharing smiles between players and staff.
But on the pitch, the action roared.
Saturday afternoon saw the girls represent their country for the first time, singing the national anthem with pride.
An early opener from Poland in the first minute brought the team back to reality and showed first hand the fast pace of international football.
Sacha Bowman proved well between the sticks as she pulled out some fine saves, but a disallowed goal for Poland then a second scored in the first 10 minutes had already sealed the result.
There were fantastic link-up plays between the front three of Marni Voak, Rebecca Legon and Annabel Kiki; the latter coming close with a rocketing shot on target.
An injection of intensity in the second half showed the depth and resilience in the England squad, which was reflected in the rematch on Sunday morning.
Annabel Kiki battling it out against Poland. Credit: Darcie Willis
The Amputee Lionesses, formed in November 2023, came back even stronger and matched the skills brought forward by the well-experienced Poland. It was an important and impressive turnaround made in less than 24 hours.
Annabel Kiki was relentless with her chances. When a penalty was awarded in the 31st minute, she comfortably found the net from the spot. However, Kiki had jumped the whistle and the goal was scratched. Her retake was unsuccessful thanks to a neat save by goalkeeper Anna Płodzik.
On the other end of the pitch, Tate Willis delivered another top performance in goal, protecting the net well once again.
But nothing could stop Monika Kukla’s great strike, causing her teammates to erupt on the side-lines as the ball flew into the net - a hard shot to save causing a rare stumble from the young player.
The game ended with an unfortunate result which didn't give England the rewards that their performance deserved.
During the tournament, the team quickly accustomed themselves to playing against a top national team and will use the lessons these fixtures have taught as fuel on the road to the Women's World Cup.
The first-ever EAFA Women's National Team on matchday two. Credit: Lukasz Grochala
Every member of the 13-woman squad gained their first cap for England and represented their country with pride.
Isabelle Papandronicou became our first ever captain in an international game, with Shelbee Clarke and Tate Willis also wearing the armband throughout the weekend.
EAFA are immensely proud of the fighting spirit our Women's National Team displayed and celebrate the start of a long-winding road for them and future generations. We hope their performance will inspire the girls in our Junior programme and encourage more amputees to play the sport in England.
The team will reflect on the tournament before their return to Reaseheath College on October 5 for their final training camp ahead of the Women's World Cup.
Here, they will strengthen their tactics, skills, stamina and more to ensure their first win as a national team comes soon.
We extend our thanks to EAFF and UEFA for helping to organise the Amp Futbol Cup, and to the Poland Amputee Football Association for inviting our Lionesses to play and bringing the best action and hospitality we could ask for.
The England Amputee Lionesses need to raise £50,000 to compete at the inaugural Women's World Cup this year. Please donate to the fundraiser here to make sure the squad don't miss out on making even more history.
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