The two sides faced off for the second consecutive year as Gareth Taylor’s young charges took the opportunity to find out more about City in the Community’s One City Disability programme.
Playing the first half without crutches, after the break the Academy outfit go to grips with the Amputee game as they picked up their crutches to experience the skill required to play Amputee football.
It was a timely visit for our unbeaten U18s, with the England Amputee squad training at the City Football Academy ahead of their European Championships in two weeks’ time.
Rather than throw the boys in at the deep end, the young Blues were introduced to England Amputee captain, Dave Tweed and City in the Community Disability Officer, Paul Kelly.
Both men were on hand to field questions from the City juniors, before leading a typical Amputee training session, so the boys were fully prepared before the friendly got underway.
It proved to be a great experience for both teams, with the Amputee squad getting a glimpse of the Club’s stars of the future, whilst the U18s got to witness the impact and benefit of one of City in the Community’s award-winning projects.
Reflecting on the game, 14-year-old Jamie Oakley, a City and England Amputee player, said: “It was great to have the Academy players come down and get involved with our amputee session.
“I think getting the chance to play football using crutches gave them the opportunity to see a different side of the game. It was definitely a good experience for both teams.”
