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Who We Are, What We're About |
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Our Mission: 1: To promote social interactivity, self-esteem and self-confidence among adult, and especially among new and youthful amputees, through recreational and competitive amputee soccer programs.2: To identify, develop, and train athletes to represent the United States in elite International amputee soccer competition, and in Paralympic competition when the sport achieves that status. Amp Soccer History Myth and Legend says that back in the old days, circa 1980, an amputee named Don Bennett was walking from his home to his car in Seattle, Washington, USA.As he approached the car a basketball came rolling down the driveway from the garage. Rather than calling to the kids to come get the ball, he simply raised up on his crutches and kicked the ball back. It was a deceptively simple beginning to what's becoming a world-wide international sport. A couple of years after the basketball incident, Bill Barry, a soccer coach with Canadian and US pro team experience, became the coach of a team under the Seattle Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association (SHSRA). He eventually established Amputee Soccer International. It was through his efforts, with the assistance of Don and other members of the Seattle group, that the sport was established in other countries. 21 "Soviet" Teams Member nations of the former Soviet Union now field some 21 teams. European Championships are held each year.But the game spread primarily where soccer is a national priority. As a result it seemed to languish in the US where soccer doesn't yet have quite the same passionate following as in other parts of the world. In the US amputee soccer remained primarily a high level competitive sport, with teams participating in a number of international events. But the game remained relatively unknown outside the Seattle area.
The Philadelphia Phenomenon But that changed dramatically after a 1997 amputee soccer workshop in Philadelphia. One recreational and one competitive team sprouted almost immediately.The Association was formed very shortly thereafter to help spread the word about amputee soccer, and to help let amputees know there's a real sport they can play in without a great deal of expense or previous experience. To tell you the truth, everybody's pretty much at the same "needs to practice" level right now. But there's JOY in the game. Wait till you see players do high-fives with Canadian Forearm crutches for the first time. You'll know what we mean. While our primary focus is to help establish recreational programs from PeeWee to adult, and on helping form teams and leagues throughout the US, we also understand the value of international play - both for the country and for the new players who want to excel at that level. Candidates for International competition are preparing as we speak, and we're always looking for new competitors. And remember, the game is co-ed, so come-on Ladies. So wether you're one-legged or one-armed, male or female, young or "mature," competitive or recationally inclined - we have a place for you. >> Come Play With US! |
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