 The IAFA International squad met for their fifth training camp in Limerick this weekend. Following fitness testing and coaching sessions, including a 7am strength and conditioning session on Sunday morning, the squad traveled to the Aviva Stadium to take part in an exhibition game during half-time in the FAI Junior Cup final. Roared on by a crowd of 15,000 Ireland raced into a earlier lead with a goal from James Boyle. Alan Wall added a spectacular second, while James Boyle again struck to secure a 3-0 win for the amputees. On what was an historic occasion for the IAFA, the squad were not overawed by the surroundings of the National Stadium. The IAFA would like to say a special thank you to Denis Cruise of the Junior Council for allowing us the opportunity to showcase our sport and to the players from Project Futsal and Ballymun FC who made up our opposition on the day.
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 This month's training camp was supplemented by another training game, against Limerick's Pike Rovers on Saturday 26th April. Although the Limerick side won 4-3, James Boyle scored twice for the amputees with Kevan O'Rourke adding a third. The squad again showed the ability to play with control and composure for a extended period of time. Fitness testing preceded the match on Friday evening while the squad partook in a coaching session and a strength and conditioning session on Sunday. These training weekends are both physically and mentally demanding on the players and they have shown incredible commitment and desire in their performances across each camp.
 Today the IAFA were formally and officially invited to the Amputee World Cup in Mexico. The tournament which will take place from 30th November to 8th December in Culican, Mexico will see all 24 member countries of the World Amputee Football Federation compete for the crown of Amputee Football World Champions. Ireland could face hosts Mexico, reigning champions Uzbekistan, European heavyweights Great Britain, or African Cup of Nations holders Liberia. Excitement builds in the IAFA camp while the hard work and grind of training continues.
 Members of the IAFA, in association with Trailwalkers Ireland, took part in a sponsored walk from Glendalough to Glenmalure as they raised funds to help ensure that the International squad would be able to travel to the Amputee World Cup in Mexico later this year. The team raised an incredible €6578 with your generosity and support and were joined on the day by over 200 people to undertake the challenge. The team members walked an astonishing 15k on just one leg and crutches, without the use of their prosthesis'. The team also received a very kind and generous donation from Megazyme on the day. The existence of the IAFA would not be possible without the charity of family, friends and supporters. The IAFA would like to sincerely thank everyone who sponsored, donated or took part in the walk. The IAFA would like to extend a huge thank you to Trailwalkers Ireland for making the event possible and to team member Donal Bligh for his tireless efforts in organising the walk.
 Following a successful training camp the IAFA squad played a training match against the Project Futsal team in Abbotstown on Monday, 7th April. The Project Futsal team which included Peamount United star and Ireland International, Stephanie Roche, ran out 5-2 winners but the IAFA squad were pleased with their level of performance. Craig Dowling and Garry Hoey got themselves on the score sheet and the fitness and stamina of the amputee footballers, results of the individual training that each player has been putting in, was impressive.
 The IAFA International squad met for their third training camp in Limerick this weekend. The squad showed yet further improvements in the fitness testing this weekend. The squad put in a number of hard sessions on the training pitch as they prepared for a number of upcoming training matches. Moral in the camp is at a high as the players reach new and exciting levels of fitness
 The IAFA International squad met for their second training camp in Limerick this weekend. Improvements in fitness and technical ability were evident as the squad were put through their paces by manager Christy McElligott and high performance coach Alan Heary.
 The IAFA International squad met for their first training camp in Limerick this weekend as they began their journey on the road to the Amputee World Cup in Mexico in November this year. Each squad member completed a baseline fitness test and was presented with a personalised training programme. The squad also partook in coaching sessions, strength and conditioning sessions, and a recovery aqua-jogging session. The squad set their goals, both individually and as a group, for the coming year and each team member is fully focused on the challenges that lie ahead in the year to come.
 The IAFA entered two relay teams into the Barrington's Hospital Great Limerick Run 2013. Both teams were attempting to set a Guinness World Record with each team member running a distance of over 6.5 miles on just one leg and crutches, without the use of their prosthesis. Each team member showed incredible fitness, stamina, desire and determination to complete this daunting challenge. The IAFA squad members undertook this mammoth task to raise funds for the Paddy Power Cup, the first ever amputee football tournament to take place in Ireland. The competition which will see 6 European nations battle it out for 1 prize will be held at the University of Limerick's Sports Campus on the 10th and 11th of August 2013. The teams who took part in this epic challenge were:
Team Paddy Power: David Saunders, Patrick Hickey, Alan Wall and Diarmuid Devanney. Team Umbro: Simon Baker, Donal Bligh, and Garry Hoey. The IAFA would like to extend a huge thank you to all the family, friends and supporters who urged both teams over the finish line on the day. |
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