Power Soccer

Power Soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for people of all ages and genders who use a power wheelchair. Power Soccer combines the skill of the person with the speed and power of the chair, to create a fun, competitive, and accessible opportunity to play the most popular sport in the world, soccer. 

BORP Practices and Games

BORP Power Soccer practices are almost every Saturday at James Kenney Recreation Center 1720 N. 8th St in Berkeley from 2:30 - 7 p.m.  The practice is split between Division I and Division II teams from 2:30 - 4:45 p.m. and 4:45 - 7 p.m. respectively.  See our calendar (Link to the calendar) for a more detailed schedule of practices and games.
 

The Game

Nationally there are two Divisions, I and II, based on the ability of the player.  The rules are similar to outdoor soccer with a few modifications.  The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four athletes in power wheelchairs pass, dribble, and spin-kick a 13-inch soccer ball in an attempt to score goals.  Footguards are attached and secured to each wheelchair to kick and maneuver the ball as well as provide safety for the player.  Click here (http://powersoccerusa.net/downloads/category/1-organization.html) to find the rules of the game.

Embed video here http://blip.tv/file/1338538/
Click here to see Power Soccer in action.

Ian Kinmont battling for the ball against San Jose at the 2009 regional tournament (photo by Scot Goodman)

Kendra Scalia-Carrow scoring a goal against Santa Barbara at the 2009 regional tournament (photo by Scot Goodman)

Travel

BORP's Division I and Division II teams compete in the Northern California Power Soccer League with teams from San Jose, Hollister, and Newark.  Every year since 2000 old teams have traveled to the USA National Tournament.

Power Soccer is also played around the world.  BORP's own Jessica Lehman Division I player, Chris Finn Head Coach, and Jonathan Newman referee were part of the USA National Power Soccer Team who won the 2007 World Cup in Tokyo Japan.

Power Soccer needs volunteers to help at practices and games chasing down balls, encouraging players, setting up balls and cones, attaching footguards and coaching.  Please call or e-mail Jonathan Newman at (510) 849-4663 x 304 or Jonathan@borp.org (link to the e-mail).

Wish List

The Power Soccer program needs your help in a variety of areas.  If you or anyone you know would be able to assist us in the following categories please contact Jonathan Newman at (510) 849-4663 x 304 or Jonathan@borp.org (link to the e-mail).
•    Volunteers
•    Coaches
•    Welding
•    Design (for footguards)
•    Fundraising and Development
•    Travel Expenses
•    Team Corporate Sponsorship

Want to learn more?

For more information on Power Soccer nationally and internationally please visit the following websites:

United States Power Soccer Association (Link to www.powersoccerusa.org)
USA National Power Soccer Team (link to www.powersoccerteamusa.org)
Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (Link to www.fipfa.org)

Division II preparing for a game at the 2008 Western regionals (photo by Joe Carrow)