Blackpool mum changes lives of young amputees with football, inspired by son
Elaine creates junior amputee football programme after setbacks with son Jamie’s journey
Elaine, a dedicated mother from Blackpool, has spent more than a decade transforming the lives of young amputees through football, inspired by her son's journey.
Elaine's son, Jamie, who was born without a foot and the lower part of his right leg, grew up with a passion for football but faced numerous challenges in pursuing his dreams.
At the age of five, Jamie was told he couldn't continue playing for his team due to his prosthetic, prompting Elaine and her husband David, who passed away in 2019, to search for alternatives.
While attending a Bolton Wanderers match, Elaine discovered amputee football and was invited to a pan-disability inclusive football session, where Jamie was introduced to the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA).
Confronted with the absence of a dedicated children's programme at EAFA, Elaine successfully lobbied for the development of a junior team.
She now serves as the Head of EAFA Juniors and Head of Safeguarding, providing essential opportunities for young amputees to play football.
In these volunteering roles, Elaine coaches, mentors, and leads vital fundraising efforts, offering children a pathway into sport with weekend camps in Cheshire and Blackpool.
Elaine also works as a cleaner and in a local pub, using her earnings to support the team and deliver roast dinners every Sunday to around 30 vulnerable or isolated community members.
Reflecting on her journey, Elaine said, "When he wasn't allowed to play, my husband was furious. After that, I found out about amputee football – I had no idea about it."
She continued, "The kids weren't getting a chance because they were playing against adults, so I decided to get a junior team together. Now, we run eight camps a year."
Her son, Jamie, now plays football for Everton and England and is due to compete in the Amputee World Cup in Mexico in November.
Elaine added, "Young people come to us at the toughest of times. They believe they'll never play football again, and some get selected to the squad and even go on to represent England. It's been an extremely long journey, but I'm really proud of where we are today. It's due to the community we've built and the hard work and dedication of so many incredible people."