Power Soccer combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself, to participate in an extremely challenging game similar to soccer. The game is highly competitive, played worldwide, and Indiana’s making a pretty impressive showing on the 2015 US National Power Soccer Team roster.
The Power Soccer World Cup is expensive, though. Seriously expensive. Between the costs of special equipment, training camps, travel and accommodations for the players and their personal aides, many players are pressed to find alternative ways to raise funding to support their participation.
Now enter our good friend Case Calvert, and two of his teammates, Natalie Russo and Michael Archer. Read about them here, and then meet them in person on March 21 at the Fountain Square Theater.
Case Calvert
I am Case Calvert. I have been playing power soccer for over eight years and I am a world-class athlete and a member of the US National Power Soccer Team. I am a proud individual even with my physical disability and having used a power wheelchair for over half my life. Who ever thought I’d be a world class athlete? I couldn’t even dream it up but it happened! Not without hard work, dedication, tears, frustration, struggle, and most importantly the support of my family.
It is a great honor for me to represent the USA knowing that the hard work and love I put in this sport has paid off. This gives me the opportunity to represent all those people in my life who have truly made me the athlete and person I am today!
Natalie Russo
My name is Natalie Russo. I have been playing power soccer for more than 11 years now, currently with Circle City Rollers and Team USA. Living life from a wheelchair, I never would have thought a sport would enrich my life as much as it has, never mind allow me to represent my country on an international level.
I was thrilled to be selected as a member of the top twelve for Team USA. I’ve worked hard and grown a lot over the years and I plan to offer my knowledge and experience to assist in bringing home a third world cup for the United States. Not many people are offered this kind of opportunity in their lifetime. It is an absolute honor to be a part of the Team USA family.
Michael Archer
My name is Michael Archer and I am 25 years old. I have been playing power soccer for 11 years for the Circle City Rollers based in Greenwood Indiana. Throughout my years with this team we have won five national championships. One of my biggest accomplishments in my power soccer career is having the honor to represent my country at the FIPFA World Cup.
I have participated and won World Cups in Tokyo, Japan and Paris France and have also been named the MVP of the world. I have been selected again to be a part of Team USA and participate in the next World Cup. Representing my country along with my teammates is the biggest honor ever given to me.
