THE ITALIAN JOB
Amputee footballer stars for Scotland
An East Kilbride footballer made history as he took to the pitch for Scotland’s amputee side’s first international away match.
Michael Lennon from Newlandsmuir was a member of the squad who made the trip to Verona to face-off against Italy.
The 40-year-old, who has a lower-limb amputation, has been involved with amputee football from the grassroots in Scotland.
Michael, who also plays for Partick Thistle’s amputee side, started playing two years ago and admits it was an “honour” to play for his country.
The proud Scot now hopes to push on to qualify for the Amputee Football European Championships in 2021.
“It’s an honour to play for your country at any level,” Michael told the News.
“When I started playing it took a lot of getting used to.
“I have a prosthetic leg so I had to get used to using the crutches again – and had to improve the fitness levels.
“It’s progressed so much from when I started. When you are playing at a good level you have to take your fitness seriously – you need to look after yourself.
“We are also now able to focus on the tactical side of the game.
“It was going to be a real test in Italy and show what we are up against going forward.
“Some of the skill levels you see, it’s unbelievable. People might look at it from the outside and think that it’s not competitive but it really is.
“At the end of the day football is football.”
Michael would encourage anyone with an amputation who is thinking of getting involved with the sport to take their chance.
“I first discovered walking football when I was watching it and it came on TV,” he said.
“I thought: why don’t I try that? It’s been brilliant.
“I’d say if anyone is sitting there thinking about trying it just get involved.”
The Amputee Football Association Scotland (AFAS) was set up in October 2016 and founder Ashley Reid has been delighted with the progress they have made to date.
“From running a pilot project with a handful of players to being able to present a Scotland squad for an international tournament signals the appetite for this sport in Scotland,” she said.
“When the players are on the pitch, disabilities are secondary.
“It’s simply about individuals coming together to play competitive football at a high level.
“Representing your country is something many can only dream about and the honour is not lost on this team.”