Amputee goalkeeper off to the World Cup with England
A talented amputee goalkeeper is seeking financial help before embarking on a trip of a lifetime with England to the World Cup in Mexico.
Kieran Lambourne, from Tilney St Lawrence, has made the cut with the national squad after attending several training camps and performing well in league action for Peterborough.
But Lambourne, 18, who was born without one of his arms below the elbow, requires funds with the England team not being supported financially by the FA.
Each selected player has been asked to raise £1,500 to assist with travel costs for pre-world cup warm-up tournaments in Houston, Texas and Warsaw, ahead of travelling out to South America.
The England team, who has a stand-alone association for amputee football, are funded by a generous sponsor.
Lambourne said: "To represent my country is a huge honour for me and fills me with great pride.
"This is a great opportunity for me to gain an insight in to amputee football on an international scale as opposed to just national when playing with Peterborough in the league, and to also showcase my skills at this level."
The shotstopper, who plays in goal for Peterborough amputee team in the English League, made his England debut in Dublin last month, playing in a 2-0 win over Poland where he came on as a substitute.
The teenager started playing football for the village team when he was six before featuring for both Clenchwarton and Wisbech Acorns as an outfield player.
He started playing amputee football three years ago, and signed for Peterborough’s amputee team as a goalkeeper.
Since making the switch, he has played against teams from Arsenal, Man City, Everton, Brighton, Portsmouth, West Brom and Newcastle in the English Amputee League, and also played at England’s St George’s Park base in the Amputee Cup final.
More than 30 countries in five continents now play the game and Lambourne, who is studying sports science at Portsmouth University, has received valuable support during his career.
"My parents have played the greatest part in my journey so far," said Lambourne.
"Not just in football, but with everything they are always supportive and often took the time to transport me to league matches and England training weekends in Crewe which has contributed to this selection so they have had the largest influence.
"Of course there are so many others which have helped me to get to where I am from youth football, such as Rob Gifford from Wisbech Town Acorns who actually got me into playing amputee football."
Anyone who might be able to help Lambourne with sponsorship can contact him at: kieranlambourne@hotmail.co.uk
