Gym owner backs amputee international playing in goal for Scotland

A big-hearted Lanarkshire gym owner is backing an amputee footballer to keep out the opposition as Scotland’s international team kicks off their European Nations League group games this weekend.

Steven Tully, who only has one arm, was selected to play goalkeeper for the Scotland National Amputee Football squad, and they have been drawn in Group D alongside the Netherlands, Albania, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Kosovo.

The 36-year-old Hamilton man has been working with personal trainer Steven McMillan, the owner of Bravehearts Boxing Gym in the town’s Low Waters Road, for more than six years.

On hearing of the goalkeeper’s involvement with the Scotland National Amputee Football team, he decided to back him financially with sponsorship, and stepped up his gruelling sessions in preparation for the tournament.

Taking place at Dalgety Bay Sport & Leisure Centre in Fife, the inaugural event will be the biggest international para-football tournament of its kind to take place in Scotland.

The Scotland squad is made up of 11 individuals each with a lower or upper limb amputation. They will play 10 matches played across two days in the exhilarating tournament.

Steven McMillan and his team at Bravehearts pride themselves on catering for people of all fitness levels and abilities, and provide everything from boxing circuit classes and personal training to fitness challenges and outdoor events. In recent years clients have signed up for events including; bagging Ben Nevis, camping on Tinto Hill, swimming across Loch Lomond, and cycling from Bravehearts Boxing Gym to John O’Groats.

Steven Tully has taken part in a number of these challenges and puts his fitness and resilience down to the gym owner’s support and motivation.

The goalie, who recently became a dad to baby Ivy, said: “Steven started as a personal trainer but became a great friend and confidante. His discipline and enthusiasm towards fitness and wellbeing is inspirational. He’s always pushed me to go outwith my comfort zone, whether it be undertaking his challenges or simply my training in general. He has made no allowances for me, and I’m so grateful for the support he’s given me in so many ways.”

Having never worked with an amputee before, the personal trainer insists Tully’s amputation was never a hindrance to his training and that he adopts the same approach with all his clients.

The Bravehearts gym owner, said: “Steven Tully and I go back many years now and the trainer-client relationship has evolved into one of friendship. Although I’d never worked with any amputees before, I’ve never treated him any differently to my other clients.

“No matter how hard I push him, he never complains; he gives nothing but 100 per cent. I’m delighted to be able to do my bit to help him on his journey to represent Scotland at this historic tournament.”

Scotland is a host nation for the tournament organised by the European Amputee Football Federation, along with Poland, France, and Belgium. Eighteen teams will compete, split into four groups, with each group played in a different location on different dates. All matches are set to be live streamed.

Amputee football in Scotland is run by a volunteer-led charity, Amputee Football Association Scotland (AFAS). Founded by mum-of-two, Ashley Reid of Kilmacolm in 2017, the charity offers amputees the chance to play football on a level playing field with opportunities for all ages to play competitively or for fun.

In recent years the charity has grown considerably and following a number of international friendlies, this will be the first major tournament for the national team.

Ashley, who is also CEO of Scottish Para-Football, said: “It is a huge honour for Scotland to be hosting such a prestigious tournament and testament to the work of the players and volunteers. But no event of this size and scale is without its hefty costs and we rely on the generosity of businesses such as Bravehearts Boxing Gym to see the benefits of supporting such an event.

“We’re extremely grateful to Steven and his team for all the support.”

The tournament will take place this Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29. Entry is free.

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