SCOTLAND'S powerchair football team have qualified for the European Nations Cup and reached the final of their first major European competition.
The national team beat Germany 2-0 in the semi-final of the European Powerchair Football Association’s (EPFA) Cup, which is currently being held in Geneva.
The top three teams in the competition will qualify for the EPFA Nation’s Cup, one of the biggest competitions in the sport’s calendar. The Scotland team will now face Belgium in the final being held today (August 26).
The captain of the squad, Kieran Burns, said it had been a long journey for the sport in Scotland.
He wrote on Twitter: “WE ARE GOING TO THE EUROS!
“Still remember that first session over 11 years ago hearing someone say imagine a Scotland team one day, now everyone in a wheelchair who loves football can dream of playing on the big stage for Scotland.
WE ARE GOING TO THE EUROS! Still remember that first session over 11 years ago hearing someone say imagine a Scotland team one day, now everyone in a wheelchair who loves football can dream of playing on the big stage for Scotland. One game away from bringing the trophy home🏴 https://t.co/b8dofbmKLh
— Kieran Burns (@KieranBurnsss) August 25, 2022
“One more game away from bringing the trophy home.”
Craig Peattie, chairman of the Scottish Powerchair Football Association, said that it was a "huge moment" for the sport.
He told The National: “One of the barriers for our sport is people not necessarily knowing that it exists, so for the team to make such a big impact and get the coverage that they have is amazing.
“It means that potential players can hear about the sport and keep it growing.”
Peattie said that the mood in the camp ahead of the final was really positive.
“All the players are absolutely thrilled. It’s taken years of dedication and hard work to get here.
“We’ve got seven players out here and every single one of them has played their part in getting the team to the final.
“The families and coaching staff are so proud of the team and everyone is excited for the final.”
