NOVI, Mich. (WWJ) – A college senior is hoping to reintroduce team sports to a special group in Michigan.
Emily Eitzman is developing a soccer clinic for amputees and others with limb differences.
A student at the University of Michigan, Eitzman said she is trying to start up a Michigan amputee soccer team, which would be a first of its kind in the state.
Josh Morse’s son, Benton, lost his leg two years ago after he developed cancer. Morse said he heard about the soccer clinic from the university, and signed Benton up for the sport,
“And I really haven’t done sports. It’s pretty fun. It is very challenging,” Benton said.
Jayme Moerdykes’ son, Owen, also lost a leg to cancer.
“He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in 2022,” Moerdykes said. “Went through treatment including an amputation on his leg. He finished up treatment in January of last year.”
She said Owen started playing amputee soccer at an established program in Columbus, Ohio in the fall, but the UM clinics are closer to home.
“Owen was a soccer player before his diagnosis, so this has allowed him to get back into the sport at a more competitive level,” Moerdykes said. “Be around people that are in a similar situation to him and feel more confident about things as well. So, get back into the game that means so much to him.”
The camp is for adults and children alike.
Katy Thorpe is an adult who was born with her amputation. She said the kinds of camps that unite people with amputations didn’t exist when she was a child.
“I didn’t ever see another amputee ‘til I was in my late 20s, so getting the opportunity to get out and see people like you and get active and do something fun is really exciting,” she said.
Teresa Stankewicz is a Type 2 diabetic who recently had her leg amputated after doctors tried to treat a severe Charcot complication in her right foot.
“I love sports and did sports my whole life and so anything I can do to continue to progress forward and get my quality of life back, that’s what I’m trying to do,” she said.
Stankewicz is no stranger to dealing with disabilities. She said she is a special education teacher who works with students with various physical disabilities.
Eitzman said people without amputees have a place within the camp she created as well.
“For these camps, you don’t have to be an amputee,” she said. “Obviously, amputee soccer is really great for people with limb differences to have the opportunity to play. But at these camps I hop in, you know, the coaches hop in. Whoever wants to play is welcome and we definitely encourage everyone to come out and try it. It’s really hard and it’s a lot of fun.”
Stankewicz said she’s happy to see people of all ages with the same disability come together to play soccer.
“Just the fact that I come out here and see these young kids and all the other people out here to do this … it warms my heart,” Stankewicz said.
In addition to this camp in Michigan, there’s a National U.S. Amputee Soccer Association open to anyone who wants to be involved.
More information can be found about the National Amputee Soccer League here.
Copyright 2024 WWJ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
NOVI, Mich. (WWJ) – A college senior is hoping to reintroduce team sports to a special group in Michigan.
Emily Eitzman is developing a soccer clinic for amputees and others with limb differences.
A student at the University of Michigan, Eitzman said she is trying to start up a Michigan amputee soccer team, which would be a first of its kind in the state.
Josh Morse’s son, Benton, lost his leg two years ago after he developed cancer. Morse said he heard about the soccer clinic from the university, and signed Benton up for the sport,
“And I really haven’t done sports. It’s pretty fun. It is very challenging,” Benton said.
Jayme Moerdykes’ son, Owen, also lost a leg to cancer.
“He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in 2022,” Moerdykes said. “Went through treatment including an amputation on his leg. He finished up treatment in January of last year.”
She said Owen started playing amputee soccer at an established program in Columbus, Ohio in the fall, but the UM clinics are closer to home.
“Owen was a soccer player before his diagnosis, so this has allowed him to get back into the sport at a more competitive level,” Moerdykes said. “Be around people that are in a similar situation to him and feel more confident about things as well. So, get back into the game that means so much to him.”
The camp is for adults and children alike.
Katy Thorpe is an adult who was born with her amputation. She said the kinds of camps that unite people with amputations didn’t exist when she was a child.
“I didn’t ever see another amputee ‘til I was in my late 20s, so getting the opportunity to get out and see people like you and get active and do something fun is really exciting,” she said.
Teresa Stankewicz is a Type 2 diabetic who recently had her leg amputated after doctors tried to treat a severe Charcot complication in her right foot.
“I love sports and did sports my whole life and so anything I can do to continue to progress forward and get my quality of life back, that’s what I’m trying to do,” she said.
Stankewicz is no stranger to dealing with disabilities. She said she is a special education teacher who works with students with various physical disabilities.
Eitzman said people without amputees have a place within the camp she created as well.
“For these camps, you don’t have to be an amputee,” she said. “Obviously, amputee soccer is really great for people with limb differences to have the opportunity to play. But at these camps I hop in, you know, the coaches hop in. Whoever wants to play is welcome and we definitely encourage everyone to come out and try it. It’s really hard and it’s a lot of fun.”
Stankewicz said she’s happy to see people of all ages with the same disability come together to play soccer.
“Just the fact that I come out here and see these young kids and all the other people out here to do this … it warms my heart,” Stankewicz said.
In addition to this camp in Michigan, there’s a National U.S. Amputee Soccer Association open to anyone who wants to be involved.
More information can be found about the National Amputee Soccer League here.
Copyright 2024 WWJ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
