@jesistracham: Before my paralysis, I had zero interest in soccer. Growing up in the power, sports industry, I thought soccer was silly. Now I watch it weekly and it looks like one of the most fun sports out there. I know power soccer is a thing for wheelchair users, and it’s usually played indoors on a basketball court. But there’s just something about being outside… Getting on the turf… Feeling the sun… And figuring out what soccer looks like for me. After watching the World Cup this past month and keeping up with MLS the last couple years, I figured I’d watched enough to at least try to recreate some of it in my chair. So, I went out to the field and gave it a shot. And honestly… My dribbling isn’t bad. My juggling though…still working on that. My defending…definitely needs some improvements. 🤣 But we laughed as a family, A LOT. I moved my body. I tried something new. And for the first time, it actually felt like I got to play my version of soccer. Not trying to make it look like how someone walking would play. Not focusing on what I can’t do. Just adapting it and figuring out what I can do. Because that’s really it. Sometimes accessibility isn’t about waiting for the perfect setup. Sometimes it’s just grabbing a ball, finding a field, getting a little creative, and making it your own. It may not have been traditional soccer in the sense of how you think it should be paid, but I had a blast. Soccer for all, right? ⚽️ Maybe Charlotte FC needs a coed manual Wheelchair league. Just putting that out there. 🤪 And after watching soccer nonstop for the past month…I am READY for MLS to be back. Cannot wait to be back at the Bank to cheer on Charlotte FC! 👑⚽️ #Soccer #fifa #worldcup #wheelwithme

Jesi Stracham

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Region: US

Thursday 09 July 2026 11:48:39 GMT