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Transplant footballers lace up for first world cup

Nicola Haseler/BBC Daley Cross, who is smiling at the cameraNicola Haseler/BBC
Manager Daley Cross said he could not believe the tournament was two weeks away

The manager of a transplant football team said his side would inspire the country when they competed on the international stage.

Daley Cross, manager of Transplant Sport England, said the team was "living proof" that organ donation worked.

His comments came as the players trained in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, ahead of the inaugural Transplant Football World Cup in September.

"This is an opportunity to show the world that transplantees can play football," Mr Cross said.

The seven-a-side tournament is set to be the first of its kind when it is held on the east coast of Italy, in Cervia, between 8 and 14 September.

Nicola Haseler/BBC Jack Booth, who has brown hair and is smiling at the cameraNicola Haseler/BBC
Jack Booth, from Essex, was "absolutely thrilled" to have made the national squad

Mr Cross said he "couldn't quite believe" that it was about to happen after years of campaigning.

"For any young, budding footballer, to go to a world cup is the highlight of anyone’s career," he said.

"[The players] are able to go to a world cup, play a sport they love and represent their country because of a selfless decision of someone to save their lives."

Essex footballer Jack Booth, who had a transplant aged four, said he was "absolutely thrilled" to have made the squad.

"It shows there is something to aim for, as a lot of people who’ve had a transplant might think 'Oh that’s it now, I can’t do anything' – it’s the complete opposite," he added.

"I just can't wait to be there, to be on the pitch and get the first touch of the ball."

Nicola Haseler/BBC Robert Collins, who is smiling at the cameraNicola Haseler/BBC
Robert Collins is hoping to protect the defence in his role as holding midfielder

For Robert Collins, whose uncle donated him a kidney when he was six, the tournament was an opportunity to raise awareness about transplants.

"It’s just a wonderful opportunity to say 'thank you' and represent everybody that’s worked so hard for me to get here," said the defensive midfielder, from Dunstable.

Asked if England could go all the way, he added: "I believe we can, definitely."

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