70 juniors from 10 countries took part in the event
The European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF) successfully organised a training camp for junior players in Poland from August 17 to 21, 2023.
The camp, held in Warsaw’s ‘Legia football facility,’ was supported by UEFA and 70 juniors from 10 countries (Nine European and Costa Rica) took part in the event under the tutelage of 12 coaches.
During the five-day event, these players along with extensive training witnessed the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. They also attended a Legia match and got an opportunity to be on the pitch in front of 20,000 plus fans.
Notably, the training camp has yielded significant success in the past, boasting prominent European amputee football stars like Krystian Kapolon, Jacob Koch, Jamie Oakey, and Thomas Atkinson, among others.
For years, Junior Camps have played a pivotal role in the lives of young amputee football enthusiasts across Europe. This year, the EAFF Junior Camp is making its second appearance in Poland after a six-year hiatus.
The event’s genesis occurred in Dublin, Ireland, in 2016, followed by subsequent editions in Warsaw, Rome, Walldorf, and Tbilisi, with a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These Junior Camps have enjoyed steadfast support from UEFA and, this season, the UEFA Foundation for Children has also joined forces. Urs Kluser, General Secretary of the UEFA Foundation for Children, underscored the inclusive nature of football, emphasising its broader societal impact beyond just a sport.
He congratulated the children with disabilities for their active participation and encouraged them to believe in their dreams.
The Legia Foundation, serving as a co-organizer of the event, has enthusiastically embraced its role. With a long-standing commitment to amputee football, the foundation sees this initiative as an opportunity to promote sports among people with disabilities. The Legia Foundation’s President, Anna Mioduska, highlighted their dedication to ensuring the event’s success and making Warsaw an accessible and welcoming city.
The event has gained substantial momentum since its inception, growing from around twenty participants during its first edition to 70 in Warsaw this year. The EAFF Junior Camp’s importance is underscored by UEFA and the World Amputee Football Federation’s support. Notably, the success of these camps has led to the initiation of similar projects in Tanzania and Costa Rica in 2023.
The impact of these camps extends beyond their immediate participants, as they are widely covered in the media and contribute to the growing popularity of amputee football. Social media platforms like Facebook, along with UEFA’s communication channels, have propelled the discipline’s reach to various European countries, drawing numerous individuals with amputations and limb defects interested in taking up amputee football.