Global Amputee Soccer Stars to Clash at Inaugural D.C. Invitational

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 07, 2026 – The nation's capital is set to host a groundbreaking sporting event as world-class amputee soccer arrives at Georgetown University's Shaw Field on Sunday, April 19. The inaugural McCourt Global Amputee Soccer Invitational, a free event open to the public, will feature an afternoon of elite competition between international and American teams, aiming to showcase the fast-paced sport and champion the cause of adaptive athletics.

Sponsored by the diversified enterprise McCourt Global, the event represents a unique collaboration between professional sports, academia, and community advocacy. It brings together the official amputee team of French professional club Olympique de Marseille (OM), players from the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA), and two U.S. clubs, Arena Football Club of Delaware and Colorado Rapids Amputee Soccer, for a series of thrilling seven-a-side matches.

A Showcase of Elite Athleticism

The afternoon promises a packed schedule of high-level soccer, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. ET with a pre-match program to welcome attendees and explain the rules of the dynamic sport. The centerpiece of the day will be the 1:30 p.m. gala match, a 40-minute exhibition pitting the visiting Olympique de Marseille squad against a selection of top players from the U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team program.

Following the marquee matchup, OM will play two more 30-minute games against Arena FC and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. The day will conclude with an all-American contest between Arena FC and the Colorado Rapids at 4:10 p.m., giving fans a comprehensive look at the talent developing within the United States.

For many attendees, the event will be their first exposure to amputee soccer, a sport that demands incredible athleticism, skill, and resilience. Outfield players use forearm crutches and can only play the ball with one leg, while goalkeepers defend the net with one arm. The result is a lightning-fast game that emphasizes creative footwork and tactical ingenuity.

"Events like the McCourt Global Amputee Soccer Invitational are important because they introduce new audiences to this spectacular sport," said Dr. Eric Lamberg, President of the American Amputee Soccer Association. "We invite the local community to come out, support these athletes, and help inspire the next generation of players and volunteers."

More Than a Match: Fostering a Culture of Access

Beyond the on-field action, the invitational is designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for disability culture and adaptive sports. The event is co-hosted by Georgetown University's Disability Cultural Center, which works to build a culture of access and belonging on campus and in the wider community.

"Co-hosting this Invitational invites our campus and the broader Washington, D.C. community to experience disability excellence in sport up close, as a community, and with the energy and respect these athletes deserve," stated Dr. Amy Kenny, the Founding Director of the Disability Cultural Center. "We are proud to welcome the public to our campus for a day of competition that brings people together."

This community-focused mission extends beyond the gates of Shaw Field. The delegation from Olympique de Marseille will also participate in a series of community engagements throughout Washington, D.C., including interactive sessions with local students. This outreach is a core component of the mission of Treizième Homme, OM's foundation and the event's social impact partner.

Lucie Venet, Executive Director of Treizième Homme, emphasized the broader goals of the visit. "At Treizième Homme, we believe sport can build confidence, strengthen belonging, and expand opportunity. We hope students and the wider D.C. community join us at Shaw Field to cheer on these extraordinary athletes and help elevate amputee soccer."

The Global Strategy Behind the Game

The invitational is a clear example of McCourt Global's strategic approach to integrating business with social impact. The company, which stewards Olympique de Marseille, is leveraging its network—including its longstanding relationship with Georgetown University, home to the McCourt School of Public Policy—to create an event with tangible community value.

This philosophy is deeply embedded in the history of OM's own amputee team. In 2025, OM became the first top-tier French club (Ligue 1) to establish an official amputee squad. The team is not a token gesture; it trains at the state-of-the-art OM Campus, sharing the same professional facilities as the club's other teams. This commitment has already paid dividends, with several players representing the French national team and the squad preparing for its first competition in the Europa League for amputee clubs.

By embedding the team within the club's professional structure, OM and McCourt Global have signaled a meaningful, long-term commitment to the sport's growth. The D.C. invitational serves as an international extension of this commitment, using the global brand of Olympique de Marseille to shine a spotlight on the athletes and the sport itself.

The Growing Pitch of Amputee Soccer

This event arrives at a pivotal moment for amputee soccer. With a legacy spanning over 40 years in the United States, the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA) has been working to build the sport from the ground up. The U.S. is home to over two million people with limb differences, a vast community for which adaptive sports can provide community, confidence, and competitive opportunity.

Globally, the sport is also on an upward trajectory. The World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) has seen increased interest and participation, culminating in the first-ever Women's Amputee World Cup in 2024. In a major boost, the FIFA Foundation announced a three-year partnership in 2025 to support WAFF's efforts, a move expected to accelerate the sport's growth worldwide.

For the athletes competing at Shaw Field, this growing visibility is crucial. It translates into better resources, more opportunities to compete, and a chance to change public perceptions. The presence of international stars from OM alongside American players from Delaware and Colorado provides a powerful platform for inspiration and exchange, showcasing a clear pathway for aspiring athletes with limb differences. The free and public nature of the event is a direct invitation for everyone—from families and students to dedicated sports fans—to witness this incredible display of skill and spirit and become part of the sport's expanding community.