Women Amputees in South America Train to be World Cup Contenders
From a distance, the women running sprints, taking corner kicks, and dribbling past defenders on a soccer field in eastern Bolivia could easily be mistaken for players preparing for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, the goalies are making saves with a single arm, while other players are using crutches to propel themselves down the pitch. This is the first soccer training camp in South America for female amputees seeking to represent their countries in the 2027 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup.
Nearly three dozen women from 10 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia, converged on the field in Bolivia’s lowland city of Santa Cruz for five days of training. The camp was organized by the World Amputee Football Federation, the body that governs the global tournaments, along with local authorities and nonprofits. Elite athletes from around the world, including from the U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team, helped coach the camp.
According to the World Amputee Football Federation, the women’s game only held its first World Cup in 2024, with the host, Colombia, clinching the inaugural title. The next Amputee Women’s World Cup will take place in Poland in 2027, with the specific date and city yet to be announced. The camp organizers told The Associated Press that the event aims to provide women with amputations the opportunity to realize their dream through sports and soccer.
The training in Bolivia covered everything from balance, coordination, and movement on crutches to ball control, tactics, and the rules of amputee soccer. The participants have lost limbs to infections or traumatic injuries, and the training has helped them find community and embrace a sport they never imagined they could play.
For Filomena Luna, the training has been life-changing. The mother of six lost a leg at age 11 after an infection worsened when her parents initially sought treatment from a traditional healer instead of a doctor. Now 50, she hopes to one day represent Bolivia on the world stage.
“Soccer is an escape for me,” Filomena said. “This practicing and training has helped me improve tremendously. I’ve learned to adapt to my situation and make the most of it.”
The World Amputee Football Federation has been working tirelessly to promote the women’s game and provide opportunities for women with amputations to participate in the sport. The federation’s efforts have led to the establishment of national teams and the organization of international tournaments.
As the world continues to witness the growth and development of amputee soccer, the women’s game is poised to take center stage. The 2027 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup will be a historic event, marking a significant milestone in the history of the sport.
