A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM SEAN BOYLE, GOALKEEPER FOR THE U.S. CEREBRAL PALSY NATIONAL TEAM
Like you, I loved watching the USMNT in Qatar, and look forward to cheering on the USWNT at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer in Australia and New Zealand.
In these big moments, I like to surprise people by reminding them that U.S. Soccer is a nonprofit… and actually manages 27 National Teams!
In fact, did you know that one of our teams won a World Cup in 2022?
The U.S. Women’s Cerebral Palsy National Team won the inaugural IFCPF Women’s World Cup, becoming the first-ever world champions in women’s CP soccer this spring. (Hear more about their experience by clicking on the video!)
CP Soccer is a U.S. Soccer Extended National Team (ENT), alongside Beach, Futsal, Deaf and Power Soccer (for power wheelchair users), providing greater access to the sport through adapted rules and play.
Of U.S. Soccer’s 11 senior National Teams (including ENTs), five are for people with disabilities, who don’t fit into mainstreams versions of the sport.
When I was 20 years old playing Division I soccer, I had a cavernous malformation in a part of my brain and was told I wouldn’t play soccer again.
I was incredibly lucky to get connected with the staff at U.S. Soccer and discover an entire team of elite athletes competing in international soccer affected by brain injury, stroke, or cerebral palsy.
The Federation has given me and my teammates so much, so this holiday season, I’m proud to encourage others to give back to soccer.
Would you join me in supporting U.S. Soccer and our Extended National Teams?
At U.S. Soccer, we aspire to have the most successful ENTs and be the best disability soccer Federation in the world. We won’t get there without help.
Take a moment now to donate to the U.S. Soccer Development Fund – building the next generation of players, coaches, and referees, OR contribute directly to the One Nation Fund to support more programs fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, and increasing access to soccer.
Our ENT players are extraordinary – each with stories and accomplishments proving soccer is more than what happens on the field (or sand, or court).
Let’s celebrate those tremendous accomplishments today, and support tomorrow.
Your gift can help our teams, and inspire young players to write their own stories.
Thank you.
Sean Boyle, PLY
U.S. Soccer Board of Directors Member
U.S. Soccer Athletes Council Representative
U.S. Cerebral Palsy National Team Goalkeeper
P.S. 2023 will be big for our ENTs! Your donation now could help our Power Soccer National Team compete in its World Cup, launch our Women’s Futsal Team, support my CP team at the Pan American Games… your impact goes on and on!