10:56, 19 November 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Earlier this month, England’s women’s amputee football team, the Amputee Lionesses, made their historic debut at the Women’s Amputee World Cup in Bogotá, Colombia. For the first time ever, the team competed with an all-female squad, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the sport.
Before even stepping onto the pitch, the Amputee Lionesses were already making waves. Through an inspiring GoFundMe campaign, they raised a remarkable £50,000, with supporters’ generosity enabling them to travel to South America and take their place on the global stage.
Once in Colombia, the Lionesses were undeterred by the blistering heat. In their opening match, they delivered a commanding 6-0 victory over Peru, with striker Annabel Kiki shining brightest — scoring four goals, including the tournament’s first-ever hat-trick. The team followed up with a gritty 1-0 win against Haiti, demonstrating resilience, unity, and skill in every moment.
Finishing the competition in 5th place, the Amputee Lionesses proved that passion, determination, and teamwork can break barriers and defy expectations — showing the world what women in amputee football are truly capable of.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
England Amputee Football Association. This charity is the governing body for amputee football in England, promoting the sport and supporting national teams for men, women, and youth players with limb loss or limb difference. Find out more.
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This cUK government body that funds research in the arts, humanities, and cultural heritage to enhance understanding and support innovation in these fields. Learn more here.
Limbless Association. This charity has been supporting amputees since 1983, working to provide physical and wellbeing support to people along their amputee journey. Support them here.
