RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, September 14, 2011) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the continuation of their partnership for the 2011 Power Wheelchair Soccer season with Sportable, a Richmond based organization that specializes in providing individuals with physical disabilities access to adaptive sports and recreational programs. Leading the Sportable Power Soccer team as head coach this season is Richmond Kickers pro soccer player, Mike Callahan.
“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with the Richmond Kickers,” commented Kristen Lessig, Executive Director and one of the founding members of Sportable. “Partnering with the Kickers provides our players with the unique opportunity to receive instruction from professional soccer players playing right here in Richmond. Mike’s leadership really makes our program unique and helps the participants to maximize their potential.”
“I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to coach this special group of players,” offered Callahan. “These players are an inspiration to me and everyone in the Richmond community – overcoming physical obstacles and disabilities to play the game of soccer. It’s an honor to be associated with such a great organization and tremendous people.”
Power Soccer was one of the first programs offered by Sportable, having been available through the organization since 2005. The game is governed by the United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA). The USPSA is the governing body for Power Soccer in the United States. Power Soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. The Richmond Kickers and Sportable have partnered together on this program for the last two seasons.
For more information, visit www.sportable.org and contact Kristen Lessig at klessig@sportable.org or contact Hunter Leemon at hleemon@https://www.richmondkickers.com.
About the Richmond Kickers
Today over 8,000 soccer players participate in programs sponsored by the Richmond Kickers and partner clubs, including Ashland Youth Soccer League, City of Richmond Parks and Recreation, Goochland United Soccer Association, TOPSoccer, Elementary Soccer and Little KICKS. The Richmond Kickers Soccer Club provides opportunities for all players of all abilities and unites soccer in the Central Virginia community. Benefits include economy of scale, consistency of coaching philosophy, professional administrative and coaching staff expertise, positive role models for youth players and a clear pathway from youth to pro for aspiring young players.
About Sportable
SPORTABLE is a not for profit organization that serves to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities by enabling them to develop their true potential through recreation, sport, social integration, and community involvement. Focused on the Richmond area, Sportable was conceived in 2005 and has become the leading provider of adaptive sports and recreation programs in metro Richmond, offering twelve year round sports opportunities to individuals with physical disabilities. Sportable is also a designated Paralymic Sport Club, one of only 130 across the United States.
