A Manx footballer says it is ‘surreal’ to be preparing to captain England at the Amputee Football World Cup after a major fundraising drive helped secure the team’s place at the tournament.

Former Marown, Laxey and St George’s player Sean Jackson is set to lead England at the competition in Mexico this November.

However, the squad’s participation had been placed in doubt because the England Men’s Amputee Football Team operates as a self-funded charitable programme and receives no financial support from the sport’s official bodies.

Players balance elite-level training with work, family and everyday life while also contributing towards the costs of representing their country.

A fundraising campaign was launched with an initial target of £50,000 to cover essential costs including travel, accommodation, training camps and kit.

The appeal has now raised more than £58,000, with a new target of £65,000, following a significant increase in public support.

Sean said the team had experienced a ‘mad couple of weeks’ after increased media attention surrounding the lack of funding.

‘Reaching our fundraising target has been such a relief,’ he said.

‘At times during the year, I think I did struggle with focus and motivation because we were so far away from the amount we needed to raise.

‘It was really looking doubtful for us to even go to the tournament, so sometimes training felt a little pointless since we didn’t have the money.’

Isle of Man amputee footballer Sean Jackson celebrates with the IKO England Amputee Football League trophy (Photo: Three Lines Photography)
Isle of Man amputee footballer Sean Jackson celebrates with the IKO England Amputee Football League trophy (Photo: Three Lines Photography) (Three Lines Photography)

He said the fundraising breakthrough had allowed organisers to begin arranging travel for the World Cup.

‘Now we’ve got the money, organisers are already on with booking flights for us to travel in November,’ he added.

‘Now, as players, we just need to focus on the football.’

Sean said the response had been ‘overwhelming’, with around £30,000 raised in 24 hours after the campaign reached wider audiences.

Former England footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker also contributed £10,000 to the appeal.

‘It was just a good feeling getting that level of backing,’ Sean said.

Former Laxey, Marown and St Georges footballer Sean Jackson in action during training with the England Amputee team (Photo: LAJ Photography)

The former Ballakermeen student currently plays for Everton in the England Amputee Football Association League and helped the club retain its league title last season.

Although he played as a goalkeeper during his time in Manx football, Sean plays as a defender for Everton and England.

He represented England at the European Championships and was part of the squad that retained the Nations League title.

Sean said representing England at the sport’s biggest competition remained difficult to comprehend.

‘Coming from the island, to represent England in the biggest competition is still pretty surreal,’ he said.

‘It took me until I was 16 to find out about amputee football, so I never really had dreams of playing for England like every other kid because of my disability.

‘Now it just feels class. I’ve grafted a load for years and I’m just buzzing I’ll get to captain England to a World Cup.’

Despite reaching the initial fundraising target, Sean said long-term financial support remained essential.

‘The money now is great, but eventually it’ll dry up again if we can’t source consistent funding and sponsors,’ he said.

‘It’s a constant battle to keep the sport alive until we have the likes of the FA getting on board.’