Scotland’s CP Football Squad made their return to international competition for the first time in nine years at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Championships in Sardinia from 24th September – 4th October.
The Scots were drawn in a difficult group along with Chile, South Korea and host nation, Italy. However, the Scots dominated the group stages with an opening 6-0 win against Italy followed by a 7-0 defeat of South Korea and 7-2 victory over Chile. This meant Scotland topped Group A and faced a tricky semi-final encounter against Group B runners-up, Japan.
Scotland came flying out of the blocks in their semi-final, racing to a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from Dean Thornton, Martin Hickman and Jonathan Paterson. The second half was a tighter affair, but the Scots emerged 5-1 winners with additional goals from Ross MacMillan and a second of the match for Martin Hickman. This ensured progression to the final to face a Colombian side who, like Scotland, had yet to suffer a defeat in the competition.
It was a closely fought first half of the final which the Colombians edged 1-0. It look like the game was dead and buried for Scotland when Colombia scored in quick succession at the start of the second-half. However, the Scots fighting spirit and goals from Jonathan Paterson and Ross MacMillan ensured an exciting close to the match. It wasn’t to be on this occasion for Scotland and despite intense pressure in the closing stages, the match finished 3-2 in favour of Colombia.
The Scottish players travel home with their heads held high having played superbly on their return to IFCPF competition and have done Scotland proud. The focus will now turn to an equally successful campaign at the 2023 IFCPF European Championships.
The squad that represented Scotland in Sardinia was as follows:
Players
Jamie Kelly (Hamilton)
Jon McFarlane (Glasgow)
Sean Millership (Epsom)
Kerr Mackenzie (Paisley)
Dean Thornton (Glasgow)
Martin Hickman (Glasgow)
Matthew Wynne (Eaglesham)
Jamie Mitchell (Livingston)
Blair Glynn (Tranent)
Christopher Moore (Stirling)
Jonathan Paterson (Wishaw)
Ross MacMillan (Cambuslang)
Staff
Greig Taylor (Head Coach)
James Docherty (Coach)
Gavin King (Coach)
Stephen Young (Support Staff)
Katie Scott (Physio)
Erin Robertson (Sport Science)
Anyone interested in finding out more about CP Football in Scotland can contact Scottish Disability Sport on 0131 317 1130 or at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.
Alternatively, have a look at this short video which gives a good overview of the sport.