In an admirable feat of determination and inclusivity, University of Michigan senior Emily Eitzman has taken a definitive step towards bringing competitive sports back to amputees and those with limb differences across the state. The creation of Michigan’s very first amputee soccer team is underway, as Eitzman orchestrates the U-M Amputee Soccer Camp, an initiative intent on allowing individuals to overcome their physical challenges by engaging in the beautiful game of soccer.
According to a CBS Detroit report, the initiative is already reeling in interest, with the first camp drawing several amputees eager to kick the ball around. "Right now at the University of Michigan, I'm working to start an amputee soccer team," Eitzman told CBS Detroit. This development offers a beacon of not only sporting but also emotional rejuvenation for individuals like Benton Morse, who lost his leg to cancer and is excited for this newfound opportunity. "I really haven't done sports; it's pretty fun," he said in an interview obtained by CBS Detroit.
Over at fox17online, the spotlight is on Eitzman’s effort to gather team members through outreach to hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities—building not just a team, but a community. The camp is open to children and adults alike, extending an inclusive invitation to enjoy soccer's camaraderie while pushing physical boundaries. It dovetails with the existence of the National U.S. Amputee Soccer Association, which champions similar efforts on a broader scale.
Eitzman's initiative has not gone unnoticed, pulling in participants of various backgrounds. Katy Thorpe, a participant who was born with her amputation, shared her excitement with CBS Detroit: "I didn't ever see another amputee till 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." Teresa Stankewicz, a recent amputee and lifelong sports enthusiast, echoes this sentiment. "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 told CBS Detroit.
Indeed, the soccer clinic is more than just a collection of athletes; it's a collective stride towards empowerment, where the focus is on capability rather than disability. This venture has garnered support from various segments of the local community, demonstrating the universal love for the game and the universal spirit of resilience. Eitzman emphasizes the camp's inclusive nature, "For these camps, you don’t have to be an amputee...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," she revealed in an interview by WWJ. With each pass and goal, Eitzman's initiative is scoring points where it truly matters - in the hearts of those determined to play.
