England’s men’s amputee football team may miss November’s World Cup in Mexico unless it can raise about £50,000 for tournament costs. The side is not currently part of the Football Association’s funded para national-team structure, despite winning the Nations League in 2023.
The programme has operated outside the FA since funding was cut in 2006 and now relies on charity status, volunteers and donations. Scott Rogers, who led the men’s team to the 2023 Nations League title and remains closely involved, says the current model is difficult to sustain for players who are unpaid and also manage work and family commitments.
The wider setup has clear signs of growth: the women’s team reached the quarter-finals at the first World Cup in 2024, while the junior pathway includes more than 70 young players. But the senior men’s team was reported to be less than halfway to its latest fundraising target, and players are also covering their own flights for an upcoming match in Ireland.
The FA says it is continuing to work with the England Amputee Football Association on priorities and development. The editorial question now is whether one of England’s successful disability football programmes should still depend on emergency fundraising to reach major tournaments.
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