A former Ballakermeen student who once thought representing England was beyond his reach is preparing to lead his country at the Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.

Sean Jackson, who grew up on the Isle of Man and played as goalkeeper for Marown, Laxey and St George’s, will captain England’s men’s team when the tournament gets under way on Friday (November 13).

The 2026 World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup will see 24 nations compete in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, over 10 days.

But for Sean, who had his right leg amputated when he was just one year old, reaching this stage of his footballing career is something he never imagined possible.

Born with two toes and a shorter right leg, he grew up playing mainstream football on the Island, progressing through local clubs and representing a centre of excellence team.

However, he said he never had ambitions of playing for England as a youngster because he simply did not believe it was an option.

Speaking to Media Isle of Man's Tom Curphey ahead of the team's departure, Sean said: ‘I didn't grow up having dreams of playing for England as a kid because you just know it's not possible as an amputee.’

That changed when he was 16 and spotted a Facebook advert introducing him to amputee football.

He began attending Manchester City in the Community sessions before progressing through the England Amputee Football Association's junior and under-23 squads.

He made his senior international debut in 2019 and has since represented England at two European Championships, two Nations Leagues and the 2022 World Cup in Turkey.

The England Amputee football team with Sean Jackson four in from the left on the bottom row.
The England Amputee football team with Sean Jackson four in from the left on the bottom row. (Steve Bracknall )

Earlier this year, he was named captain of the men's team, with the Mexico tournament marking his first major competition leading the side.

‘It's still quite surreal most of the time,’ he said.

‘It's weird because obviously growing up as an amputee on the island, I just cracked on with it. I just got on with playing mainstream football.

‘It just feels really good getting to captain the team.’

England head into the competition after a difficult year away from the pitch, with players facing uncertainty over whether they would be able to afford to travel.

The England Amputee Football Association, which operates as a charity, launched a £50,000 fundraising appeal to cover essential costs including travel, accommodation, training camps and kit.

Sean said there was initially no money in the bank and, even over the summer, it remained uncertain whether enough would be raised.

He described the experience of continuing to train without knowing whether the team would make it to Mexico as "mentally really tricky".

The campaign has since attracted significant public support, including a reported £10,000 donation from former England footballer Gary Lineker.

Sean also highlighted the involvement of social media personality Steve Bracknall, saying it had been encouraging to see well-known names getting behind the team.

‘We've got backed by the public and obviously recently the likes of Gary Lineker and now Steve Bracknall,’ he said.

‘It's just nice to have those sort of people a part of it and believing in us.’

Online media sensation Steve Bracknall, assistant manager of the Royal Oak FC, is sponsoring the side during the World Cup
Online media sensation Steve Bracknall, assistant manager of the Royal Oak FC, is sponsoring the side during the World Cup (Steve Bracknall)

The team have been drawn in Group F alongside Poland, Iran and Costa Rica, with Sean acknowledging that none of their opponents will provide an easy test.

Iran are the current Asian champions, while England have faced Poland regularly in recent years.

‘We go there with a lot of hope, and we know 100% we're more than capable,’ he said.

‘We just basically want to get off to a good start.’

For Sean, there is also a strong sense of gratitude towards the Island, particularly Isle of Man Sport, which helped fund his travel during his early years in the sport.

He said the financial burden of travelling off-island was one of the biggest obstacles for Manx athletes hoping to progress.

As he prepares to lead England onto the world stage, he hopes to keep people at home updated throughout the tournament.

And the player who once never thought representing his country was possible is now preparing to wear the captain's armband at a World Cup.