Physio helps lead amputee football team to Euro success

^{Before the final kick-off, the England amputee football players and support team members including Charlie Wilton, back row, left}

Last night England lost to the host nation 2-1 in the last second of injury-time.

Watch some footage on Twitter (England Amputee FA).

The gruelling 10-day tournament saw England beat France 2-1 in the quarter-finals on Saturday and Spain 3-0 in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Each player and member of the support squad had to raise funds to participate and the CSP sponsored the team physiotherapist, Mr Wilton.

He works in private practice as well as being assistant physio for the Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Before last night's game, he told Frontline: ‘It has been a solid routine with the players and they are all fit and able to play.’

In terms of physiotherapy involvement it was ‘non-stop’ every day.

‘I helped plan swim rehab sessions, prehab, ice baths post-game and gym recovery sessions.'

As well as that he organised massage and physio sessions.

‘I advised the coaching staff on the player’s fitness and management of them on crutches and prosthetics on and off the field.’

An average day saw Mr Wilton working 9am-10pm.

Mr Wilton added: 'I was really impressed with the work ethic of every player.

'They are not funded by any governing body and all have full time jobs but still are dedicated to competing for England in their own spare time. Very inspiring.'

Amputee football

The England Amputee Football Association's (EAFA) aim is to provide the opportunity to play football whether locally, nationally and internationally for amputees, people with congenital limb deficiencies and players with restricted limb use.

Amputee football is growing. Eight league clubs currently compete in the national league representing; Birmingham, Derby, Devon, Exeter, Newcastle, Nottingham, London (Crystal Palace) and Scotland.

EAFA are running development sessions with the aim of forming more teams.