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Two amputee players with crutches play football on an indoor 3G pitch.
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How to support amputee players

Here, we explain what an amputation is and how coaches can support amputee players. 

Disability football
Communications and relationships
England Football Learning logo on a red background.

England Football Learning

2 mins - Mar 18, 2024

An amputee is a person who is missing one or more limbs, or part of a limb. This is known as amputation. It’s a type of limb difference.  

Some amputees have had their limb surgically removed because of trauma or illness. Others were born without part or all of a limb. They are called congenital amputees. 

The level and cause of an amputation can have a big impact. Mobility, range of movement, coordination, balance and comfort can vary hugely from player to player. 

These factors can also be affected by whether a player chooses to play with a prosthesis on. Be aware that players who use a prosthesis might need to adjust it during play.  

Stump pain tends to be more of an issue for people who have had a limb removed than congenital amputees. This might impact how long they can play for.  

And players using crutches might find their arms and upper body getting tired. They're at risk from blisters too. 

These are just a few key differences that we’ve highlighted. So, if you want to find out more, download this PDF. It has loads of key information and tips to help you support amputee players.  

But remember, no two amputee players are the same. Get to know them. Understand what motivates them. Find out how their condition affects them and what support they might need. 

Adapt sessions with the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002). Space: consider the size of the pitch – a big area may cause fatigue due to continuous crutch and/or prosthesis use. Task: play short activities and take regular breaks. Equipment: use flat spots to limit slip risk and encourage players to wear padded gloves or have padded crutch handles. Players: play small-sided games.
Adapt sessions with the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002). Space: consider the size of the pitch – a big area may cause fatigue due to continuous crutch and/or prosthesis use. Task: play short activities and take regular breaks. Equipment: use flat spots to limit slip risk and encourage players to wear padded gloves or have padded crutch handles. Players: play small-sided games.

Here are five top tips to help you support amputee players: 

  • Recognise that players might find movement easier or harder depending on whether they were born with their amputation. 
  • Can you develop any established movement patterns in the player? A new amputee might need more training on how to travel with crutches or strike the ball. 
  • Use repetition to help new and younger players get used to crutches.  
  • Avoid throwing and catching practices for players using crutches. Crutches make catching very difficult. 
  • Be aware that players might be slower to move on command when wearing a prosthesis.  

If you haven’t already, download this PDF for more information on how to support amputee players. It’s a handy resource to take with you to training.  

And if you want to find out more about amputee players or disability football, check out these useful links:  

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