In an exciting development for soccer enthusiasts and advocates of adaptive sports, the United States Amputee Football Federation (USAFF) and the NIRSA Championship Series are partnering to bring amputee soccer to the NIRSA National Soccer Championships this fall!
This renowned championship event will bring amputee soccer a step closer to becoming a major collegiate sport throughout the nation.
“NIRSA is thrilled to be partnering with USAFF to bring amputee soccer to the NIRSA National Soccer Championships stage,” says Nicole Jackson, NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs. “Our season’s capstone event is an incredible showcase of talent, determination, and positive sporting behavior and through this partnership with USAFF we’re excited to extend the platform. We look forward to working together to elevate, empower, and respect every person through the uniting sport of soccer.”
Amputee soccer clinics: Learn from the best
One of the highlights of this debut will be the amputee soccer clinics, where participants of the NIRSA National Soccer Championships will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the field of amputee soccer and play alongside them. These clinics will cover fundamental skills required to play amputee soccer. Attendees will also gain insights into the sport’s rules. Whether a seasoned soccer player, a coach, or simply an enthusiastic supporter, these clinics will offer a rare and valuable perspective on the sport.
The Amputee Soccer NIRSA Championship Match
As a capstone to this historic event will be the “Amputee Soccer NIRSA Championship Match,” which will showcase amputee soccer players from across the country. This match will display the high level of skill and competition within the amputee soccer community.
A vision for the future
The inclusion of amputee soccer at the NIRSA National Soccer Championships reflects a broader commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion through sports. By introducing this adaptive sport to a new audience, USAFF and NIRSA are paving the way for future collaborations and expanded opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
“As a club soccer athlete and advocate for adaptive sports, I am thrilled to help bring amputee soccer to the NIRSA National Soccer Championships for the first time,” says Emily Eitzman, the Director of Collegiate Development for USAFF. “This event brings us closer to creating more opportunities for individuals with limb differences to participate in competitive soccer at the collegiate level, and we are so excited to share this incredible game with the NIRSA community and collegiate soccer at large.”
Don’t miss the 2025 NIRSA National Soccer Championships
Mark your calendars for November 21–23, 2024, and join us in Round Rock for a celebration of soccer that champions the values of inclusivity and excellence. The debut of amputee soccer at the NIRSA National Soccer Championships is poised to be a defining moment in the sport’s history, and we invite you to be part of this remarkable journey.
- For more information about this partnership, contact USAFF’s Cliff Donathan or NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs Nicole Jackson.
Check out NIRSA Sport opportunities at NIRSA Play: play.nirsa.net
