Who Can Play Power Soccer?

Power soccer is designed for athletes who use power wheelchairs in daily life. It is one of the most inclusive competitive sports in the world because it allows individuals with a wide variety of physical disabilities to participate at a high level. If you or someone you know relies on a power chair, there’s a good chance this sport is a fit. 

• Cerebral Palsy (CP) – a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle control, coordination, posture, and mobility. 
• Muscular Dystrophy (MD) – a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass (including forms such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy). 
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness due to the loss of spinal motor neurons that control voluntary movement. 
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) – damage to the spinal cord from trauma or medical conditions, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis. 
• Spina Bifida – a congenital condition in which the spinal column doesn’t develop properly, often leading to mobility challenges. 
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – an autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and balance difficulties. 
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes loss of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. 
• Arthrogryposis – a condition characterized by joint contractures and muscle weakness that limit movement. 
• Other neuromuscular or degenerative conditions where a power chair is required for daily mobility.

One of the most amazing parts of this sport is the engineering and creativity that goes into making sure every athlete can compete. Over the years, players and families have worked with coaches, therapists, and engineers to adjust chairs and programs for maximum inclusion. Examples include:

• Specialized Guards: Custom footguards and bumpers attached to the chair allow athletes to pass, block, and shoot the ball. These can be tailored to each player’s chair design and strength level. 
• Joystick Modifications: Some players use standard hand controls, while others use head arrays, chin controls, or sip-and-puff systems—proving that fine motor ability is not a barrier to play. 
• Chair Adjustments: Speed settings can be tuned for safety and performance, ensuring athletes can play within their ability while still competing fairly. 
• Therapist Involvement: Physical and occupational therapists often help athletes adjust seating, posture, and control systems so that they can move more efficiently on the court. 
• Technology Integration: As engineering advances, adaptive technology allows more players with limited movement to safely and effectively control their chairs in a sports environment.

Power soccer is truly a lifelong sport. Age does not matter—what matters is that the athlete can safely operate a power wheelchair on the court. Children as young as 5 or 6 have started in the sport, while adults of all ages continue competing at local, national, and even international levels.

The mix of engineering innovation, coaching creativity, and a spirit of inclusion ensures that anyone who wants to play can find a way to be part of the team.