American Amputee Soccer Association partners up with VCU Sports Medicine to kick off amputee soccer clinic

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The American Amputee Soccer Association and several other event organizers held an amputee soccer clinic at VCU's Cary Street Field Complex this weekend.

The clinic was held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16 and was in collaboration with the American Amputee Soccer Association, VCU Sports Medicine, Veterans hospital of Richmond, Sportable and the Children's Hospital.

Those who attended were introduced to the world of amputee sports by way of three time Amputee World Cup attendee Keith Mann and event organizer, as well as sports physical therapy specialist Michael Fiorante.

Amputee soccer clinic at VCU Cary Street Field Complex: Photo courtesy of 8News Nia McMillan

Mann led those who attended the clinic through a number of drills, to not only get comfortable using the crutches, but to also gain an understanding of what it's like to compete in amputee soccer.

Amputee soccer clinic at VCU Cary Street Field Complex: Photo courtesy of 8News Nia McMillan

Drills ranged from learning how to walk with the crutches, learning how to kick the ball with crutches, switching directions, shooting drills, cone drill and a final scrimmage to end the clinic.

This unique clinic traveled from Chicago to Richmond as Chicago native, Fiorante, shared why he decided to bring it to Virginia.

"I've always been, passionate about soccer. It's been the sport that I've played since I was three years old, and have wanted to remain in the sport, in my career and in my life, because it's given me so much," Fiorante said. "And so today, we have a soccer clinic, which is a sport that's been growing around the country, rapidly -- and just trying to give as many people the opportunity to play soccer as possible."

Amputee Soccer operates under a different set of rules than Major League Soccer does. Here are some of the differences:

• Instead of 11 v 11 games operate as 7 v 7
• There is no offsides
• No throw-ins
• Fields and goals are slightly smaller
• A hand ball is when the soccer ball comes into contact with your crutch
• All goalies only play with one arm
• All field players have one leg

"We're all amputees playing on a level playing field no matter if you're, an amputee with a lower limb, or an upper limb extremity, we're all able to play on the same field and play by the same rules," Mann explained.

The three time world cup athlete, Mann, also emphasized that the game is very physical and involves lots of falling down, getting back up as well as bumps and bruises.

Although the clinic was started by Fiorante in Chicago, the clinic emphasized that it was truly only possible through team efforts amongst all those who collaborated.

"Being here in Richmond and helping start this clinic with a group of amazing people is ever so gratifying. So I just hope that, everyone here has a really good time and enjoys, the clinic today," he said.

The clinic is open to everyone of all skill level and abilities, including those who are not amputees.

Although this is the first year the clinic was hosted, it won't be that last. The clinic is looking to host another event within the next three to six months.

"Just come out here and enjoy it. And that's why I play it. That's why I play the sport. Just to have fun, and to enjoy the competition. But really, just to go out there and have some smiles and, that keeps me young," Mann said.