This week, Tiny Titans Football Club in Swinton proudly recognises Lyla Needham, a remarkable young footballer, as their Player of the Week. Lyla, who has faced extraordinary physical challenges since birth, has shown incredible determination and enthusiasm, making her a true inspiration to everyone involved in the club.
Born with a major limb difference, Lyla’s journey has been anything but typical. Her foot was attached to her buttock at birth, a condition that made reconstruction impossible. At just 18 months old, Lyla underwent a through-the-knee amputation, a life-changing procedure that meant she had to relearn basic movements from scratch. Since then, she has been using a prosthetic leg to help her walk and navigate the world around her.
Football: A Lifeline for Lyla
For Lyla, football is more than just a game – it’s an essential part of her physical and emotional development. Each week at Tiny Titans, she works on skills that many of her peers take for granted. Whether it’s balancing, kicking, or simply moving in different directions, football challenges her to build strength and coordination in ways that are vital for her growth. The sessions help her improve not only her football abilities but also fundamental movements that are crucial to her daily life.
Lyla is also involved with the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA), and the skills she hones at Tiny Titans each week will be invaluable as she participates in the EAFA’s junior camps in the future. These sessions at Tiny Titans serve as a foundation, helping her develop the confidence and technique she will need to excel in amputee football.
Overcoming Shyness and Building Confidence
In addition to the physical challenges she has faced, Lyla is also naturally shy. Whether this stems from her experiences growing up feeling a little different, or is simply part of her personality, football has become a safe space for her to connect with others. At Tiny Titans, she gets the opportunity to mix with other children, helping her build social confidence while doing something she enjoys. The supportive, inclusive environment encourages Lyla to come out of her shell, making it a place where she can truly thrive.
Katie Bentley, head coach of the Swinton-based Tiny Titans Club, shared her thoughts on Lyla’s progress:
“Lyla’s story is one of resilience and joy. Each week she comes to the pitch ready to tackle new challenges, and her determination to succeed is inspiring. She’s not just improving her football skills, but also building her strength and confidence with every session. Watching her grow has been a privilege. We’re all so proud to see her win Player of the Week – she absolutely deserves it.”
Tiny Titans Football Club: Football for Everyone
Tiny Titans Football Club prides itself on creating an inclusive, affordable, and fun environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years old. The club is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their physical abilities, have the opportunity to play football in a safe and supportive space.
Lyla’s achievement is a shining example of how football can be a powerful tool for personal development, not only helping children improve their physical skills but also providing an outlet for them to build social connections and confidence.
Inspiring a New Generation
As Lyla continues to grow and develop both on and off the pitch, her journey serves as a beacon of hope for other children who face their own challenges. She embodies the very spirit of Tiny Titans – that with passion, determination, and support, there are no limits to what a child can achieve.
Tiny Titans Football Club is honoured to be a part of Lyla’s journey and looks forward to seeing her continue to thrive in the weeks and months ahead. Whether she’s on the local pitch in Swinton or representing at an EAFA junior camp, Lyla is a true testament to the power of resilience and the joy of football.
Tiny Titans Football Club continues to run classes across the UK. For more information or to find a class near you, visit their website at www.tinytitans.co.uk.
