13 on amputee team
The Cork City FC Amputee Team are getting ready to take on the best of Europe this weekend.
The squad of 13 is made up of players from Cork, Westmeath, Meath, Dublin, Waterford, Limerick and Scotland. This is the second time they’ve qualified for the tournament, having also qualified in 2018.
The team is travelling to Sassuolo in Italy for the European Amputee Football Federation Champions League 2024, which takes place from 20-22 September.
Cork City will face Sahinbey Belediye Genclik Ve Spor Kulübü from Turkey, Everton and Wisła Kraków from Poland.
It’s a first for head coach Dáire Coughlan who was appointed to the role in 2020. He said: “This tournament means an awful lot to the team as it gives us an opportunity to play against the best amputee teams from across Europe. We are one of three amputee teams in Ireland so to qualify is a huge testament to the talent, skill and dedication of our players. “Being part of the team offers everyone a chance to form amazing friendships and bonds, so it’s so much more than just the game of football. I’d also like to thank those who have sponsored us, including Zeus. Without their continued support we would not be able to take part in the league.”
Cork native Ruairi Murphy has been playing amputee football since 2017.
He said: “After I lost my leg it was nearly 11 years before I played in a team environment again and you honestly don’t realise you’ve missed it until you’re back in that environment again. The first year was probably the biggest one because I just love playing football and I went into it not knowing what it was like and I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the game.” Ruairi added: “In that first year, we were probably the underdogs in the league because we had a couple of new players and we ended up going on to win it, probably the biggest highlight I’ve had.
“It’s a very welcoming sport. I hadn’t met another amputee in the 11 years before I joined the league, then suddenly I had a support network of people around me, which was really great.”
Meanwhile AerCap this week announced its sponsorship of the team.
The aviation leasing company will cover the cost of the team’s participation in the league, including their travel and accommodation, and in return the AerCap logo will feature prominently on the amputee team’s kit, with placements on the players’ shorts and back of jersey.
Matthew Coughlan, Sponsorship, Merchandise and Events Manager at Cork City FC, said: “Taking part in the tournament is a massive achievement for the Cork City FC Amputee Team and this partnership goes a long way towards supporting this opportunity as well as the ongoing development and growth of the team. We are delighted that AerCap is the latest company to partner with Cork City FC.”