Norwich City Player takes part in World Cup

Whilst the national focus has been on who will succeed Steve McClaren as the next England Coach, local player Tony Mills was contributing in helping England finish 5^th at the Amputee World Cup in Antalya, Turkey.

Mills, 27, from North Walsham, currently plays for Norwich City's Pan Disability Team in the Eastern Region League and was part of a 14 man squad that took part in the 10-day tournament.

The tournament that involved 12 nations happens every 2 years, the matches are 7 a side and played on a 3G surface for players with leg amputation who play on crutches (outfield players) and arm amputation (goalkeepers).

England suffered heartbreak in the quarter finals losing to the previous holders Brazil, in what was acknowledged as the game of the tournament, 3-2 in extra time, with Brazil literally going through with the last kick of the game after England had twice come from behind.

Mills said ‘It was fantastic to be a part of an international tournament and represent England in a World Cup. The trip had many highs and lows but obviously losing to the holders the way we did was extremely disappointing but it was a tremendous learning curve for the whole team'

Mills added ‘ From a personal point of view I will continue train and play for the Norwich City Pan Disability Team and try to help them win back the Eastern Region League Trophy and make sure I am fit and ready for the next World Championships in 2009'

NCFC Disability Officer Darran Lovell, who was a part of the coaching staff for the World Cup, said' The tournament itself was a tremendous advert for Disability and Amputee football. To represent your country at any level should be seen as an achievement and something to be proud of, it was terrific again for Norwich City to have a representative in the national team'.

With the 2009 Amputee World Cup possibly being staged in England, Norwich City's Football in the Community Scheme will be doing their bit to encourage amputee's to come and play and help raise awareness of Amputee football and possibly follow Tony Mills in representing their country.

If you require more information on how you can get involved in Amputee football or disability football in general contact Darran Lovell at Football in the Community on 01603 761122 or email [email protected]