One of the silver linings in this Duchenne journey is the people. In our Duchenne community, there are amazing people and organizations offering help. One of those amazing people is Diane Murrell, manager of Houston Fireballs, Houston’s powerchair soccer team.
Houston Fireballs, Powerchair Soccer Team
Social worker Diane Murrell is the manager for Houston Fireballs, a powerchair soccer team in Houston, Texas. Without Diane, her efforts and support, many individuals with disabilities would miss out on a lifeline that’s fulfilling in incredible ways.
Adaptive sports like powerchair soccer are so valuable to our community. From friendships to a means for competition to the glory of a win and the struggle of a loss, adaptive sports can enrich the DMD community in so many ways.
As for the nuts and bolts of the game itself, the United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) describes powerchair soccer as:
..the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users… The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four players attack, defend, and spin-kick a 13-inch soccer ball in a skilled and challenging game similar to able-bodied soccer.
And yes, the competition is fierce. Very fierce.
For fans of power wheelchair soccer, or anyone interested in playing yourself, you’ll have a great opportunity this weekend in Houston, Texas with the Cougar Cup, a power soccer tournament!
Two teams from Mexico along with Houston Fireballs and STRAPS from San Antonio are meeting up for some friendly powerchair soccer competition at the University of Houston campus. The top FIPFA and USPSA International referee, Mark Jones, will even be there refereeing the game.
In addition to the fun of the tournament, the Director of USPSA, Steve Everett, is coming to meet with leaders, refs and coaches to discuss building power soccer in TX and Mexico. Representatives from Mexico and major TX cities will also be there as well.
If you’d like to participate, please come by to cheer on the teams and share your ideas!
And if you go, please take a moment to tell Diane thank you for the fantastic opportunities she brings to our community.