A FYLDE footballer may be going to the World Cup after all – despite a funding snub by English soccer chiefs.
Martin Heald, 17, a star striker for the Great Britain Amputee Squad, was ready to travel to Brazil with his team mates for the tournament of a lifetime.
But powers that be at the Football Association will not come up with the cash.
They say th
e squad is too small and the tournament is not officially recognised, although it is backed by the English Amputee Football Association, together with other world governing bodies.
Angry Gazette readers have been quick to help and raised £1,000 already.
Many have contacted us about Martin, who lost his leg to cancer two years ago, and offered to help the Kirkham Carr Hill pupil fulfil his dream.
The British lads need £17,000 for flights to Brazil, and all members of the team are doing their bit.
Martin's mother Selina, from Belgrave Avenue, Wesham, said she was overwhelmed by the kindness of members of the public.
She said: "One lady has donated over £400 and we've had other cheques and donations.
"We're really grateful.
"Another lady is helping us organise a fundraiser at The Willows Club in Kirkham."
Amputee football chiefs and the team coach told The Gazette last week they felt "disgusted" by the funding cut.
Chairman of the Amputee Football Association, Steve Johnson, who played in three Amputee World Cups and sat on the FA panel which made the decision, told The Gazette he believed the decision had been made to divert funding to other paralympic sports.
Amputee football is not part of the paralympics.
Great Britain coach Dave Tweed said: "It's massively disappointing for the lads."
The amputee squad is not eligible for lottery funding as it is deemed "an elite team".
The tournament runs from September 5 to September 20 in Nova Fribur.
Despite criticism from the amputee team, the FA maintains it will not pay.
A spokesman said: "The FA are still 100 per cent behind the amputee squad.
"With just 15 players in the squad, the FA's Disability Equality Advisory Group decided to redirect funding to the English Amputee FA who will assist in generating new players for the team.
"The Amputee Football World Cup in Brazil is not an official tournament and is not recognised by the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sport board which are affiliated to the International Paralympic Committee."
- If you can help, call Gazette reporter Joe Robinson on (01253) 361725 or e-mail joe. robinson@blackpool gazette.co.uk
