Amputee football is a game for amputees and or people with limb affecting deficiencies. In the international codified version players playing in the outfield, do so on one leg and ambulate on crutches. Goalkeepers, stand with both legs, with one hand/arm.
Amputees have been pictured kicking footballs whilst on crutches as far back as the early 1900’s in post war Europe. It was only around the 1980’s when the idea of a codified game was first brought to the attention of the wider world nations. The Sport began with 5 team World Cup events. Originally as outdoor 11 v 11 and smaller indoor 7 v 7 formats, with each nation hosting an event on a yearly rotation.
The sport was formally developed by Don Bennett, an American who lost his leg in a boating accident. Bennett, who was determined to stay active, pioneered the game by adapting the rules of traditional football for players with amputations. He started the first amputee football games in Seattle, Washington, and became a key figure in promoting the sport, which began to gain attention globally. In the years that followed, amputee football spread beyond the U.S. and into other countries, with growing interest in Europe, Africa, and South America.
In 1984, the first organized international amputee football matches were organized. By 1990, the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) was established but mainly with the objective to organize the Amputee Football World Cup.
In 2020 a new board was elected and, amputee football has expanded significantly, with national teams and clubs emerging in various regions of the world. Today, amputee football is played in more than 60 countries, with active participation in international competitions. The sport continues to grow, with increasing efforts to improve its visibility, inclusivity, and financial sustainability. The formation of structured leagues and tournaments, particularly in developing regions, is helping the sport achieve its vision of global recognition and inclusion.
The World Cup is now hosted every 4 years (last one 2022 in Instanbul) , attended by up to 26 member countries and solely played in the 7v7 format on a 60x40m pitch.