United States Men's National CP Soccer Team
The United States men's national CP soccer team, previously recognized as the United States Para 7-a-side national team, serves as the premier representative of the U.S. in international CP football competitions. Operated by the United States Soccer Federation, this elite program identifies and trains top talent from across the country to compete on the global stage.
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Key Facts
- Governing Body: United States Soccer Federation.
- Current Head Coach: Stuart Sharp.
- Highest IFCPF Ranking: 4th (October 2017).
- Paralympic History: Competed in 1984, 1992, 1996, 2004, and 2012.
- Best Paralympic Finish: Fourth place in 1996.
- Training Hubs: Olympic Training Center (Chula Vista, CA) and Home Depot Center (Carson, CA).
The Sport of Football 7-a-side
While informally referred to as "C.P. Football," the official term for the sport is Football 7-a-side. This competitive discipline is managed internationally by the International Paralympic Committee, FIFA, or the International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF). The program is structured similarly to professional sports organizations, emphasizing high-performance training and rigorous selection processes.
International Competition and Performance
The U.S. Para 7-a-side National Soccer Team (USPNT) participates in a variety of high-stakes events, including the Intercontinental Cup, Copa America, World Championships, Parapan American Games, and the Paralympic Games. Notably, the team secured a seventh-place finish at the 2015 IPCPF World Championships.
The team's global standing has fluctuated over the years. According to IFCPF rankings, the team reached its peak at 4th in October 2017, while its lowest rankings were 9th, recorded in September 2012, August 2013, and November 2014.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Federation | US Soccer Federation |
| Current IFCPF Rank | 4 |
| Parapan American Games Appearances | 1 |
| Notable Former Player | Josh Blue (Comedian) |
Player Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the national team, athletes must be ambulant, meaning they do not require assistive walking aids. Eligibility is based on having a specific neurological condition, which includes:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury or Acquired Brain Injury
Understanding Impairments
Athletes with these conditions may experience various degrees of impairment. These can include Diplegia, Hemiplegia, Triplegia, Quadriplegia, or Monoplegia (referring to the number of limbs affected). Other common impairments include Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), Athetosis (slow, involuntary writhing movements), Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), as well as general balance and coordination issues or localized muscle weakness.
It is important to note that in many instances, these conditions result in minimal motor dysfunction that may not be apparent to an untrained observer; however, such players remain eligible under the official rules of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the U.S. men's national CP soccer team?
The team is operated by the United States Soccer Federation.
What is the difference between CP Football and Football 7-a-side?
Football 7-a-side is the official standard term for the game, while "C.P. Football" is the informal name used for the sport.
What are the eligibility requirements for players?
Players must be ambulant and have a neurological condition such as Cerebral Palsy, a history of stroke, or a Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injury.
Where does the national team train?
The team utilizes the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, and the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
What is the team's highest international ranking?
The team achieved its highest IFCPF ranking of 4th in October 2017.