The Polish women's national amphibious football team is heading to the first-ever World Championships

This is a new experience on many levels, but considering the development of this sport in Poland – including among women – we are going there with our heads held high. The Polish women's national amputee football team is heading to the first-ever World Championship, which will be held in Colombia from November 4th to 10th.

As is tradition before the men's tournaments, a press conference was held here before the departure for Colombia at the PGE National Stadium in Warsaw with the participation of the players, staff, officials, as well as sponsors and friends of amputee football.

"At the end of May, we said goodbye to the men's national team, which was leaving for the European Championships – they returned with a medal. I know you're a "fresh" team, but you've already achieved success, and it's time to prove yourself in distant Colombia. I'm delighted that we're pioneers in Europe when it comes to women's participation in Polish sport. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this. It's clear that Polish amputee football also has the face of a female pioneer. PGE Narodowy is with you and is a happy place for these pre-tournament farewells," emphasized Adam Soroko, board member of PL.2012 and operator of PGE Narodowy.

The meeting was also attended by Paulina Malinowska-Kowalczyk, advisor to the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, for people with disabilities. Years ago, as a journalist, she covered the Paralympic Games, among other events.

"I'm very happy to be able to support the women's amphibious football players for the first time before they leave for the World Championships. I, of course, wish them a podium finish. I know the president isn't putting pressure on them, but it's clear that an athlete who goes to the championships goes there to win. No athlete with a disability who starts is thinking about rehabilitation, but about being the best," she said.

The Polish national amputee football team plays in partnership with ORLEN, whose logo is centrally located on their jerseys. The women's team will be no exception.

"This is our duty. I'd like to thank you because you inspire us. I appreciate your openness to your weaknesses and your sense of humor. I'm a fan of your post announcing your squad for the Colombian championship. Women's football is an important element of social responsibility for your sponsorship strategy. Brazil, Colombia, Cameroon—that sounds like a tough group," admitted Michał Rutkowski, director of ORLEN's sponsorship office.

On the occasion of the trip to the World Championships, the team's technical partner, 4F, prepared special outfits for the Polish team.

"We are part of the amputee football family. We meet in a similar group and in a beautiful setting. I hope we will be able to celebrate the successes of the Polish national team here many more times. We recently had the opportunity to conduct a photo shoot with the national team players. We are very proud of this and always invite amputee football players to our office so we can work together," said Kacper Domański, teamwear manager at 4F.

The Polish women's national team at the World Cup in Colombia will be led by the coaching duo of Marcin Oleksy and Igor Woźniak, two experienced amputee football players who know the taste of international competition at the highest level.

"Did that surprise us? The decisions were made just before we left for the World Championships. We're trying to do a good job; we have a mission with the girls to fly out and compete. We're going there to show what we've learned over the past two years. The most important thing is to come back with a smile and keep working. That's what I expect as the new coach," Oleksy said.

"I'd like to thank the president for his trust, and I'd like to make it clear that it's not us who are most important, but the girls. Their success is paramount to us. Marcin keeps saying we're a blend of exuberant youth and experience. We get along very well because we play together in the national team and have a similar approach to football," Woźniak added.

To date, the Polish women's national team has played three official international matches. Last year, they defeated Team USA 1-0 thanks to a goal by Marta Rumińska, and in this year's Amp Futbol Cup, they faced England twice. They won the first match 2-0 thanks to a brace from Anna Raniewicz, and the second 1-0 thanks to a goal from Monika Kukla.

"I've already had a few historic moments in my career, like my first goal in the Ekstraklasa, and before that, my first with the national team, so the pressure is on. I don't put it on myself, but I'll be happy if any of us score, regardless of who scores. Pressure isn't a good ally. We're going to do our job; we've worked hard for two years, and we're ready for this challenge," Rumińska announces.

"Before the World Cup, we trained a lot at home. Everyone gave as much as they could. I think we averaged three times a week at home, plus monthly training camps and competitions with the boys. I don't think any of the girls had ever played professional football before. The hardest part was taking those first steps on crutches; I'd previously used a prosthetic. It took getting used to it and strengthening my arms," ​​emphasized Weronika Nowotny.

Although women do not yet have their own league, they compete – and successfully – alongside men in the PZU Amp Futbol Ekstraklasa competition, where they are unlikely to receive any concessions.

"It won't be surprising to say that each of us joined training with the expectation of competing against worthy opponents, but few of us expected to play in the men's league. I think we've proven we're ready for competition. The men are unwavering, and their shots are equally powerful. We're fighting on equal terms. I think this experience will bear significant fruit on the pitches in Colombia," says Anna Płodzik, goalkeeper for the Polish national team.

In the group stage of the World Championship, the Polish national team will face Colombia, Brazil, and Cameroon. Each of these teams is a significant unknown. So, what's the goal of the Polish team going to the World Cup?

"It would be easiest to say that the goal is to bring home the trophy, and I think that's what every single one of us dreams of. The most important goal is to look in the mirror and be able to say, 'I gave it my all.' We're in a tough group. These are strong opponents we've never seen on the pitch before. We don't even know from social media how they fared previously," says Jolanta Ożga.

Twelve teams, divided into three groups, will participate in the World Cup in Colombia. Matches will be streamed live on sport.tvp.pl and the TVP Sport app. ING and Booksy have also joined the team in supporting them before their departure for the World Cup.

Match schedule for the Polish women's national team at the World Championships in Colombia:
November 4: Colombia – Poland
November 5: Poland – Brazil
November 6: Poland – Cameroon
Main Sponsor: Orlen
Technical partner: 4F

Project co-financed by: Ministry of Sport and Tourism
Participation in the World Championships is supported by: ING, Booksy