Atlanta Amputee Soccer Wins 2025 U.S. Soccer ADAPTandTHRIVE Disability Award, Celebrating Accessibility and Inclusion

Atlanta Amputee Soccer Wins2025 U.S. Soccer ADAPTandTHRIVE Disability Award,  

Celebrating Accessibility and Inclusion 

Regional Amputee Soccer Program Voted Winner of the Annual Award Which Recognizes Organizations and Individuals Making an Impact in Disability Soccer 

ATLANTA (February 12, 2026) – Continuing in its pursuit to celebrate accessibility and inclusion in the beautiful game, U.S. Soccer today announced that Atlanta Amputee Soccer has won the 2025 ADAPTandTHRIVE Disability Award, which recognizes an organization or individual who is making an impact in Disability Soccer in the United States.  

“I love this award because it shines a light on many of the changemakers in our communities, people who work day-in-and-out to create opportunities, improve accessibility and ensure the game is truly open to all,” said Stuart Sharp, Head of U.S. Soccer’s Extended National Teams. “We’re delighted to see this year’s winner be inspired by our ADAPTandTHRIVE Leadership course. When individuals are given the right tools, training, and confidence, we see tangible, meaningful impact across our soccer ecosystem.” 

A regional program under U.S. Soccer member American Amputee Soccer Association, Atlanta Amputee Soccer was born from the initial ADAPTandTHRIVE Leadership Course hosted by U.S. Soccer in December of 2023. During a day of sessions, Co-Founder Katie George met a number of attendees, including U.S. Men’s Amputee Soccer National Team player Jovan Booker. Through conversations that week, Katie was inspired to help launch the program. 

“It is a blessing and unbelievable honor to receive the ADAPTandTHRIVE Disability Award,” said George, Atlanta Amputee Soccer Coach and Co-Founder. "When we first learned we were the recipient of the award, we were genuinely speechless, as having our names mentioned among the distinguished honorees who came before us is a great honor. This award affirms what we believe deeply that meaningful progress is built through connection, collaboration and shared purpose." 

In February 2024, physical therapist Daniel Copeland met George through a mutual connection and began forming the roots of Atlanta Amputee Soccer. Following conversations with the American Amputee Soccer Association, Atlanta Amputee Soccer officially launched and hosted its first clinic in Atlanta in June 2024.  

"Over the past two years in the ADAPTandTHRIVE space, we have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary work of individuals and organizations committed to advancing disability soccer, and we are grateful to be a small part of this collective effort,” said Copeland, Atlanta Amputee Soccer Regional Director and Co-Founder. "This recognition belongs to the entire Atlanta Amputee Soccer community—our dedicated athletes living with limb loss and limb difference, our consistent and passionate volunteers, our community allies, and the American Amputee Soccer Association, whose guidance and partnership has been instrumental in our growth.” 

Now with a core group of seven players, Atlanta Amputee Soccer saw its clinic participation rise into double-digit figures in 2025. The program has developed both recreational and competitive pathways and has already sent one player to a National Team camp. Ultimately, it has provided individuals living with limb difference meaningful access to a growing discipline of the game, allowing them to engage and build community while striving to accomplish much more in their daily lives.