Harry Smith has been the head coach of the England women’s amputee football team for just two months, but on Saturday the team flies to Colombia to compete in the sport’s first-ever World Cup.

“It’s all been a bit crazy,” the 28-year-old laughed, telling the BBC about the team’s whirlwind experience ahead of the tournament.

The Worcester boss said: “It’s definitely a pinch-me moment. When I started coaching it was a dream of mine to represent my country.

“It doesn’t get much better than that.”

The team, who train in Nantwich, will play their first match on Monday against Peru.

“I think everyone is incredibly excited now. We’re going to a World Cup, which is something we never thought we’d be going to,” Mr Smith said.

Matches consist of seven teams, each half lasts 25 minutes.

Mr Smith said: “The rules don’t change much, the end goal is to put the ball in the back of the net.

“It’s the sport that everyone loves, the beautiful game, but in another format.”

The team includes Annabel Kiki, 16, from Cannockwho plays as a striker.

Speaking about her participation in the World Cup, she told the BBC: “It means so much to me and to all the girls here because life can be difficult for a lot of people and it’s all about what you make of it. .

“All these girls were looking forward to it. I mean, we’re going to a World Cup. I never thought I’d say this in my life. But I’m so proud of these girls.”

The team has received a lot of attention since appearing on BBC Breakfast, making more people aware of the sport.

“The general reaction is that people are amazed at how physical and skillful the sport is,” Mr Smith said.

“People think it’s very slow and unskillful. Then they see the sport and say wow, look how skillful it is, how amazing the players are, how strong they are.”

The team includes players from all walks of life, some of whom became amputees due to cancer or accidents, while others were born with limb deficiencies.

“We have girls from all adventures in life and when they come together there is a huge sense of connection between the girls,” the 28-year-old said.

“This person understands what they have been through and there is a huge sense of unity within the group.

“You can really feel that family environment when you walk into the training room, the girls really care about each other.

“The past is in the past and they are only focused on where they are now and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. They are an incredible group and we are family.”

However, getting the Lionesses to the first-ever Amputee Women’s World Cup has not been a simple journey.

The team had to raise £50,000 to participate in this unique tournament in South America.

They were halfway to their goal until they appeared on BBC Breakfast, with the team then reaching their target overnight.

Supporters included former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, who donated money and equipment to the team, and invited them to Stamford Bridge, where he trained with them and took them to a women’s match on the field in the evening.

“He was incredibly impressed with the skill level of the sport,” Mr Smith said.

“John has been amazing. He’s picked up the story and helped share it, and the support he’s given the girls has been fantastic too.”

While the coach is excited that the team reached its fundraising goal, he wants the team to have financial stability so they don’t need to raise money for every tournament they attend. participates.

“It’s about investing in sport and charity through sponsorships and media deals,” he said.

“So that they recognize us as a sport and see the importance of it.”