AS football matches ago, the ones played in Blackburn last weekend could be described as nothing less than inspirational.

The players, some in wheelchairs, others with sticks, all with amputated limbs, fought to win the end-of-season friendly against France.

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Great Britain was hosting the match against the French internationals but at the last minute were let down by their venue. A quick phone call to Blackburn’s St Bede’s Roman Catholic High School proved to be the answer.

Dave Tweed, from the English Amputee Football Association (EAFA) charity which supports amputee football, said the school provided the perfect venue for the matches. “St Bede’s were a great host. It’s the first time we’ve played there but they have all the facilities we need so there may be a link for the future.”

Andrew Mercer, the school’s sports development manager, only got the call a few days before the event.

He said: “Lancashire Football Association recommended our facilities and we took the booking as we like to support initiatives like this.

“We made every effort to make sure the game went ahead and everyone was catered for.”

Friends and families of the players travelled to Blackburn to watch the matches, which were played on Saturday and Sunday in Green Lane.

After a close match and some great tackles, GB were declared the winners of both games, 2-0 and 2-1.

The GB team was originally due to play Kenya but when that game was put on hold the French stepped in. However, by that time the original venue at Lancashire Football Association’s ground in Leyland had been booked up.

Now the team — the development squad is coached by East Lancashire teenager Owen Coyle Jnr — is hoping to take part in the world championships planned for next year.

“We have a strong belief at St Bede’s that it is important that we are at the centre of the community and we look to cater for all sporting opportunities,” said Andrew.