February 12, 2026 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.
For more information, follow @atlamputeesoccer on Instagram or email Daniel Copeland at dcopeland@usampsoccer.com.
# # #
About the U.S. Soccer Federation
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused in three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and pro leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
Comments are closed