Amputee Football on the rise as Scotland's national team scoop European title

Scotland’s Amputee Football Team returned to home soil this week on a high.

After three matches in Bucharest, they’ve been crowned champions in the European Amputee Football Nations League.

Led by captain Michael Lennon, the team beat Kosovo, Albania and hosts Romania to lift the trophy for Division D, securing promotion to Division C and boosting the profile of the sport.

For the team’s youngest player, 17-year-old Harris Tinney, it’s hoped the tournament will be the first of many.

“I didn’t want to be too confident, but I knew I could do it,” the striker said.

Harris netted a hat-trick against Kosovo, scored eight goals in the victory over Albania, and a further strike against Romania.

Harris Tinney Amputee Football Association Scotland

His performance also saw him awarded Best Young Player and Top Goal Scorer – a legacy he’s now determined to build on.

Harris lost his leg shortly after birth due to amniotic bands.

He became one of the youngest amputees in the country, a decision he says gave him the best chance in life.

“At five days old the doctors said I could be in a wheelchair or we could amputate and my Mum and Dad thought for the best for me they should amputate and give me the best chance possible.

“It’s probably the best thing they could’ve done.

“Nothing really holds me back, because it happened at such a young age it’s normal to me.”

A Football lover, he began playing amputee football at the suggestion of his Dad John Tinney.

John, who now manages the team, said: “We encouraged him from day dot. When Harris first started school [we said] show everyone your leg, don’t be ashamed of anything you’ve got – you’re just the same as the guy next to you.”

Of Harris’s football career, John said: “He’s got a winning mentality.

“He doesn’t like losing and he’s competitive, so he takes that into his game.”

Following the historic win the team also received a message from Rangers legend Ally McCoist.

In a video celebrating the win, he said: “A big congratulations… three fantastic results, brilliant!”

Harris said: “It was really cool, the fact that he’s seen my goals, it means a lot.”

“It’s amazing,” added John. “He’s a national treasure, Ally McCoist. I think the more people who highlight it the better it is for us to make people aware that there is a sport out there for people.”

CEO of Scottish Para-Football, Ashley Reid, founded Amputee Football Association Scotland.

She praised the players’ dedication: “This outstanding achievement is testament to the commitment and hard work of our players, who have trained tirelessly in recent months.

Back row: David Cowan, John Tinney, Ewen Moir, Leigh Gregory, Rob WIlson, Mick Lennon, Tommy McKay, Sonny Rockett, Kirk Hughes, Brian MurrayFront Row L-R: Harris Tinney, Graeme Campbell, Conor Elliot, Iain Matthew — Back row: David Cowan, John Tinney, Ewen Moir, Leigh Gregory, Rob WIlson, Mick Lennon, Tommy McKay, Sonny Rockett, Kirk Hughes, Brian Murray

Front Row L-R: Harris Tinney, Graeme Campbell, Conor Elliot, Iain Matthew Amputee Football Association Scotland

“What makes this success even more remarkable is that Amputee Football Association Scotland is run entirely by volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to progressing the sport. Indeed, this is the case across all our national disability squads in Scotland.

“Our athletes deserve the resources, investment, recognition and support to compete at the highest level but, at present, funding required to attend these major tournaments is minimal. This gap must be addressed as a priority to ensure equality in our national game.”

The sport is played on crutches with seven players per side. Players in goal must have an upper limb amputation, while outfield players require a lower limb amputation.

There are now leagues operating in over 30 countries worldwide.

The Scotland squad currently compete in the Irish Amputee Football League and have their sights set on expanding and qualifying for the Euros in 2028.