Last month, Rollx Vans was honored to serve as a sponsor for the 2022 United States Power Camp Soccer Association’s 2022 Power Soccer Family Camp. USPSA oversees organized power soccer, the first competitive team sport specifically for individuals in motorized wheelchairs.
Whether you call it soccer or fútbol, this fast-paced game is a blast to watch and even more fun to take part in. By extending the magic of soccer to athletes in wheelchairs, USPSA ensures that nobody who wants to play is unable to take the field.
2022 USPSA Power Soccer Camp a Huge Success
This year’s USPSA Power Soccer Camp took place from July 17-22 at True Friends Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN. On the first day, attendees gathered together on the Woodland side of the camp to meet, mingle, and share their love of soccer.
“Approximately 65 campers from all over the world attended this year’s prestigious event,” says USPSA President Steve Everett. “This is where campers can improve their power wheelchair soccer skills, create new friendships, and form memories that will last a lifetime.
July’s camp was the first to take place in two years due to COVID-19. That time away made campers even more excited for the experience.
“Immediately, you could feel the excitement in the atmosphere,” says Everett. “Many stated that this was the best of all the camps we’ve had in the past.”
Rollx Vans Proud to Provide Ground Transportation for Campers
Rollx Vans is proud to have played a part in the camp experience this year. We provided transportation from Minneapolis International Airport for campers of all ages. When attendees were picked up for their flights on the last day of camp, it’s safe to say there are a lot of smiles on board.
“Rollx Vans has been a valued supporter of the United States Power Soccer Association,” says Everett. “Ground transportation is an essential part of this event, and none of this would be possible without the service provided by Rollx Vans and their incredible staff.”
Campers did have quite a bit to smile about, from interacting with the friendly team of coaches and volunteers to the comfortable lakeside cabin accommodations. Of course, the highlight for many was learning the ins and outs of power soccer, a game that’s growing in popularity and could be a part of a future Paralympic Games.
“Thank you Rollx Vans for helping us to continue to impact lives through the sport of power soccer,” says Everett.
How to Play Power Soccer
If you didn’t get the chance to attend the 2022 USPSA Power Soccer Family Camp, it’s not too late to get started and build your skills for next year. Getting into power soccer is easier than ever thanks to USPSA, and it’s a great hobby if you want to stay active and meet new people.
Power soccer is played on a regulation-size basketball court by two teams of four. Play takes place over two 20-minute periods. If you want to play, you’ll need a ball and goal, of course, as well as a footguard for your power wheelchair. The game is open to any player in a power wheelchair who can’t play another adaptive sport, including athletes as young as five years old.
Finding and joining a power soccer team is easier in 2022 thanks to the efforts of USPSA. Teams fall into three categories: conference, non-conference, and recreational. The team you join may depend on your location and how you prefer to play the game.
In Minnesota alone, there are currently three conference teams that play the game.
- Minnesota Shockwave from Big Lake, who play in the Premier Conference
- MN Northern Lights out of Zimmerman, who play in the Champions Conference
- Courage Kenny Blizzards of Golden Valley, who play in the Founder Conference
Currently, there are more than 100 teams in the United States alone, and there are teams in 27 countries around the world. Joining a team and playing competitively costs $350 with current fee rates, and there will be associated travel costs if you play competitively, but that is well worth it when you consider all the fun that it opens you up to.
Power soccer is a sport on the grow, and USPSA wants to take the game to new heights very soon. The international regulatory federation that oversees the sport, the Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association, is recognized by the International Paralympic Committee. The ultimate goal (soccer pun strongly intended) is for the game to be represented in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
Get Ready for Next Year’s Power Soccer Family Camp
This summer’s USPSA Power Soccer Family Camp was a huge success, and we’re looking forward to the announcement of next year’s event. If you’d prefer to cheer on the athletes or check it out before you decide to play, there are some big events coming up in the next few months.
- Turnstone Summit Classic: 3-4, 2022, in Fort Wayne, IN
- Jerry Frick Power Soccer Tournament: Feb 18-19, 2023, in St. Louis, MO
- Hoosier Thaw: March 4-5, 2023, in Fort Wayne, IN
Thinking about taking a road trip to enjoy some power soccer? Rollx Vans is here to help. We’re a trusted provider of wheelchair-accessible vans, SUVs, and trucks with more than 40 years of experience and 20,000-plus satisfied customers nationwide. Text us at 952-522-8330, call at 800-956-6668, or send an email to questions@rollxvans.com for more information on how we can help get you back on the road.