Preview: The IKO EAFL reaches final stage

Writes: Edward Perry

The IKO EAFL enters its final gameweek, with the league champions about to be crowned at The Home of Amputee Football.

It has been a huge season for The EAFA, with more teams competing and more amputee footballers playing the game they love. Six fixtures remain as Everton, Portsmouth, Chelsea and Newcastle contest for the final points of 2025.

Everton have the trophy in their grasp, sitting atop The IKO EAFL table with a six point cushion on Portsmouth. It would also take a large swing in goal difference for Everton to not complete the job on Saturday (27 September).

The Amputoffees have been strong across the season, leaving them well placed to retain their status as champions. A win or draw in their first game against Pompey will almost certainly see their efforts rewarded.

Despite this, Portsmouth travel to Reaseheath College looking to cause an upset against all the odds. The day has to go perfectly for the south coast side to find themselves unlikely victors and add to their IKO EAFA League Cup silverware from earlier in the season, but the slimmest of chances still remain.

Chelsea held Everton and Portsmouth to score draws in gameweek five, continuing their impressive form in the second half of the season. Though they can’t lift the title at the weekend, they’ve bagged The Disability FA Cup and The IKO EAFA Cup in 2025 and look set to contest for next season’s top spot.

Newcastle joined The IKO EAFL roster this season and have gained experience through competing with established teams. Their performances haven’t been rewarded, but they’ve taken important steps forward. The progression of Chelsea’s squad serves as inspiration for their future.

This season has seen the domestic amputee game grow, showing promising signs for the future of The EAFA.

Not only has the increase in teams meant more amputee footballers have the opportunity to compete in the league, the growth in EAFL participants season-on-season has also seen all four teams field women amputee footballers.

Izzy Papandronicou is one such standout player, adding historic goals in league and cup competitions to the honour of scoring the first ever goal at last year’s inaugural Women’s Amputee World Cup.

As we close the 2025 season, The EAFA would like to thank IKO PLC for their support over the past two seasons as our Principal Sponsor.

The EAFA also shares our gratitude to those behind the scenes who are vital to the operation.

Special thanks goes to Graham Brade, who is always onsite before and after everyone else to set up and pack away. Teilo Pearce, League and Operations Lead, and the league committee deserve commending for the countless hours they spend in ensuring the smooth running of The IKO EAFL and in planning for the league's future.

The EAFA's amazing graphics team and photographers have given their time and expertise to help showcase the beautiful game, alongside the media team. The EAFA also thank Daniel Bowden and our group of referees, without whom there would be no games.

We praise the players and teams involved in the league for another great year of thrilling matches and competitions in the English amputee football calendar. Everyone's commitment and hard work has contributed to the continued rise of domestic amputee football.

Finally, thank you to everyone who supports the work of The EAFA, both in-person and online.

Spectators are welcome to watch the action on the final day and there will be a presentation crowning the champions upon the conclusion of Saturday’s fixtures.

Fixtures:

12:00 - Chelsea vs Newcastle

12:45 - Portsmouth vs Everton

14:00 - Chelsea vs Portsmouth

14:45 - Newcastle vs Everton

16:00 - Chelsea vs Everton

16:45 - Portsmouth vs Newcastle

Location: Reaseheath College, Reaseheath, Nantwich, CW5 6DF