.jpg)
England and Everton midfielder, Jamie Oakey started his journey in amputee football at just 11 years old when he attended his first EAFA Junior Camp, he has since represented his country in a World Cup, European Championships, and the Amp Futbol Cup.
The 19-year-old has been part of EAFA ever since being encouraged to try the sport by then England head coach, Peter Wild, eight years ago.
“My school team would never let me play competitive matches because of my prosthetic leg, EAFA provided an environment I could be involved in and an opportunity to compete,” he said.
“At EAFA, they’ve built a place where everyone is welcome and everyone gets a chance to be a part of it.”
After frequently attending EAFA Junior camps in his early teens, Oakey joined Everton as a 15-year-old and began to play at the top level of amputee football, making his Champions League debut.
The midfielder's first game in Europe came against Polish side, Legia Warsaw and despite being the youngest player in the competition, competing against some of the best in the sport didn’t faze him.
“Playing in the Champions League for the first time was an amazing experience, you’re up against the best teams in the world.”
Stepping up to the England team at 16, the midfielder was originally in the development squad before being called up to the first team ahead of the European Championships in 2021 (delayed due to COVID).
“I had to earn my spot; I wasn’t just thrown straight into the deep end.
“It was exciting and will always be exciting to play in international tournaments, representing your country and being in the squad is a real honour.”
Attentions have now been turned to the upcoming Nations League where Oakey will play in his fourth major international tournament since attending his first Junior Camp.
“We’ve got that hunger to play and show what we’ve got and I’m confident we can go out there and win.”
Comments