Earthquakes presents wheelchair soccer at PayPal Park

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Earthquakes presents wheelchair soccer at PayPal Park

The San Jose Earthquakes hosted a community night event that showcased partnerships with groups such as the San Jose Steamrollers, a soccer league for players who use electric chairs to practice.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Earthquakes hosted its own community night event that showcased partnerships with groups like the San Jose Steamrollers, a soccer league for players who use electric chairs to practice.

The San Jose Steamrollers are soccer players who happen to be physically disabled. Using the skills they already possess, they compete like any other athlete.

When fans headed to PayPal Park Wednesday night to watch the Earthquakes play in Seattle, they also got to watch a different kind of soccer game in the parking lot called Power Soccer.

“They are amazing and more skillful than you can imagine. It’s great to see them having a great time and enjoying the sport,” said Heidi Vetter, an Earthquakes fan from San Jose.

The Steamrollers started in 1988 and were one of the first teams to help shape the NFL. Power soccer is the first sport designed for electric wheelchair users, who have physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and many more.

Lola Grace, 21 and a Steamrollers fan, has been playing since she was 10.

“I love the independence it gives me. Unlike other sports, someone with special needs, you always need help. With this sport, you can do it on your own. I love being competitive too,” said Lola Grace.

Wheelchairs move using a controller. Players make football look so much easier than it really is. The sport allows players to build self-confidence, learn group dynamics, and problem-solve, says John Connelly, Steamrollers coach and father of strongman soccer player Ryan Connelly.

“It gets them out into the community so it warms my heart,” he said. “It provides them with interaction with other players and other people like themselves,” said Connelly.

The Quakes Foundation supports The Steamrollers by raising awareness about hardcore football and helping with travel expenses and equipment purchases.

“We’ve had some first-team players come out and visit their practices and games. It was very cool to see them elevate their platform and show a different side of how football is played and how they are,” said Odie Amerikey, director of community relations at COEX.

The Earthquakes also host three Women’s World Cup watch parties on July 21 and 26 and August 1 at PayPal’s Epicenter. It’s free and will include activities, prizes, and giveaways.

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