Beyond the Pitch: The Heart of the U.S. Women’s Amputee Team

The USA Women’s Amputee Soccer Team competed in the first-ever Women’s Amputee Football World Cup in Colombia, and brought home second place! History was made!

Amputee soccer is rapidly growing around the world, opening doors for athletes with limb differences to step onto the pitch with strength, pride, and passion. Field players compete with a leg difference, goalkeepers with an arm difference, and a powerful truth stands out, all ages and abilities are welcome to play.

Thuy Williams, had the incredible honor of serving on staff with this pioneering team. Her role focused on team building and supporting the athletes’ mental and emotional well-being, especially as they navigated fundraising, travel, rigorous training, and the intense journey to the World Cup. “Being able to walk alongside these women, listening, encouraging, and cheering, was a privilege I will never forget.”

Despite challenges, including the majority of the team getting sick just before finals, these women played with courage and heart. They fought their way to the championship match, and although we ultimately fell to Colombia in penalty kicks, the team made history and demonstrated the resilience and determination of women in amputee sport.

This is only the beginning. Women’s amputee soccer is rising, and we’re just getting started.