November 10th Cedar Knolls Power Wheelchair Soccer Clinic
On Saturday, November 10th from 10 AM to 4 PM, a power wheelchair soccer demonstration and clinic will be held at the Morris Center YMCA, 79 Horsehill Road in Cedar Knolls. Individuals five (5) years of age and older who use power-operated wheelchairs are invited to participate. Persons interested in learning the coaching skills of this dynamic new sport are also encouraged to attend. For further information, contact Jeanmarie and Ken Falco at 973-492-5857, or at njpowersoccer@optonline.net.
The main sponsor of this clinic is the United States Power Soccer Association, which is the official governing body of more than 40 teams who engage in regional, national, and international power soccer competition. United Spinal Association contributed funding for the November 10th event, and helped to arrange sponsorship of the New Jersey-based Red Bull Junior Power Wheelchair Soccer Team by the Major League Soccer (MLS) Red Bull franchise.
Power wheelchair soccer is played by two teams of differently-abled athletes using special footguards attached to powered wheelchairs as “feet” to kick a large 13 inch diameter ball. Players must use lap seatbelts and may use other assistive or protective technology that is normally needed by the individual. A power wheelchair soccer match is contested between two teams of four (4) players each, one of whom must be the goalkeeper.
Power soccer is played on a standard indoor basketball court. The goal area is at the center of each end of the court—26 feet wide and 16.5 feet deep—and goal posts are placed 19 feet, eight inches apart within the goal area. The object of the game is to maneuver the ball through the opponent’s goal posts. Penalty kicks are awarded for rule infractions and to determine the winner of a match ending in a tie score.