Blackpool football coach who steered England Amputee Men’s Team to victory receives British Empire Medal
‘When the letter dropped through the door to deliver the good news, he was shocked’
A Blackpool football coach who steered The England Amputee Men’s National Team to victory in 2023, has received the British Empire Medal for his services to disability sport.
Scott Rogers, who started his career as a teacher at St Mary’s Catholic High School, eventually becoming head of boys PE, has a wealth of experience in football coaching, working with teams such as Wigan Athletic and Accrington Stanley.
Scott, who is 47, managed the national team to EAFF Nations League Victory in 2023 - it was their first major trophy in 30 years - leading him to be awarded with the King’s honour
And it has made it even more special that the nomination came from his 15-year-old daughter Sophie.
She had written a spoof nomination as part of a school project and when her teachers read it, they suggested she put the nomination forward, for the real thing.
When the letter dropped through the letter box to deliver the good news, he was shocked.
He said: “It has made me incredibly proud, especially to have been nominated by my daughter but it’s a recognition for the whole of amputee football.
“The England Amputee Football Association is run as a charity with no other funding. They are hoping to get to the World Cup in Mexico in September but it all comes down to money.”
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He began coaching with the EAFA in 2020, having being initally intruiged by the role. He was open minded and simply submerged himself into researching everything he could, he was excited by it.
“It inspired me, it was a great opportunity for me,” said Scott. “Coaching amputees is no different to able bodied players, it’s still all about strength training, conditioning, psychology... it’s just the terminology is different at times.”
After three years Scott proudly steered the team to Nations League victory in which England beat Türkiye, Poland and Spain, teams which are properly funded.
He will receive the BEM at a cermony in Liverpool on October 27 and will attend a garden party with wife, Nicola, at Buckingham Palace next year.