Football coaching student to play for country at Amputee World Cup

Tayla Page, who is studying for a degree in Community Football Coaching and Development at the University of South Wales (USW), has been selected to represent England at the upcoming Amputee Football World Cup. The tournament, set to take place in November in Colombia, will see Tayla competing on the world stage.

Tayla's journey into football began at a young age, inspired by her father’s love for the sport. She quickly developed a passion for football, playing regularly while growing up in Stevenage.

Tayla has remained committed to her sport and she studies at Wolverhampton Football Club with residentials at USW. She trains with the national amputee football team at ‘the home of amputee football’, Reaseheath College in Nantwich. Her selection for the national team came after she was noticed for her active involvement in coaching and her role as a beneficiary of the Richard Whitehead Foundation.

Tayla has a prosthetic leg but amputee football is played on crutches, which Tayla and her doctor were wary of due to her particular condition, but she adapted quickly. She said: “I just absolutely loved it. The first time I played, I was loving it and smiled the whole time.”

For Tayla, being selected to represent England is a dream come true.

"It means so much that it is hard to put into words. To represent your country just means everything," she said.

"You're showing everyone what you're made of."

In addition to her studies and playing career, Tayla is passionate about coaching, particularly in disability football. She currently coaches under-12s, under-16s, and adults, and dreams of pursuing a career as a Community and Cohesion Officer or an academy coach after graduation.

Tayla’s determination is evident, not only in her athletic achievements but also in her perseverance following a recent surgery that has temporarily limited her mobility. Despite the setback, Tayla remains positive and focused on her recovery, eager to return to her active lifestyle and contribute both on and off the field.