The US Amputee Football Federation (USAFF) provides participants with an environment and opportunity to regain hope that may have been lost after amputation. Through a sense of teamwork, competitiveness, and achievement, participating in football/soccer allows those with amputations to build physical strength, improve body awareness, balance, and coordination, and develop social skills. This supportive community can serve as a source of motivation for those struggling to manage their disability and integrating into their community, workplace, school, and family. Seeing other amputees play football often instills hope of overcoming personal challenges and pushes participants to achieve their goals. Amputee Footballers often report feeling improved physical and emotional wellbeing, enhanced sense of achievement and competitiveness, and ability to connect with others.
The Federation is looking to develop youth and women’s games as well as collegiate leagues with camps and world tours. They hope to partner with professional football/soccer clubs as well as rehabilitation clinics. Major sponsors include ISPO, Hanger, OttoBock, Ossur, and AWS.
What Is Needed? Crutches, Balls, Boots, Gloves, Jerseys, Cones, Fields
Who is Needed? CPOs, MDs, DPTs, ATCs, Trainers, Coaches, Officials
Want Details? Amputeesoccer.org
Source: Sorrells F, Gilmore M. Spreading HOPE through Therapeutic Recreation. Poster presented at AOPA 2023 National Assembly; Indianapolis, IN; Sept. 6-9, 2023.
