From the Pitch to the Pod: Nico Calabria Breaks Down Amputee Soccer on the GP Soccer Podcast
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
In a recent episode of the GP Soccer Podcast (S14 E5), host Giovanni Pacini sat down with Nico Calabria, the captain of the U.S. Men’s National Amputee Soccer Team and a leading advocate for the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA).
The conversation was a masterclass in shifting perspectives—from seeing adaptive sports as a "feel-good story" to recognizing them as the elite, physical, and high-stakes competitions they truly are.
The Shift: From Inspiration to Threat
Nico shared a powerful anecdote about his early days playing for his high school team. "I definitely saw a lot of folks that had raised eyebrows, getting off the away bus," he noted. People often expected a "nice story" where players would give him space, but that sentiment changed the moment the whistle blew.
Once on the pitch, opponents quickly realized that Nico wasn't just there to participate—he was a physical threat who demanded to be guarded. This transition from "inspiration" to "competitor" is at the heart of Nico’s mission with the AASA: to be recognized for athleticism, not just resilience.
The Mechanics of the Game
For those new to the sport, Nico broke down the fast-paced 7v7 format:
Field Players: All are single-leg amputees who use forearm crutches for mobility.
The "Crutch-Ball" Rule: Using a crutch to touch the ball is treated like a handball.
Goalkeepers: Keepers have one arm and are restricted to an 8x8 box, making for intense, high-rebound play.
No Offsides: This keeps the game extremely fast and physical, often surprising spectators with the level of contact involved.
A Vision for the Future: Regional Growth
Nico isn’t just focused on his own performance; as a Board Member and Director of Development for the AASA, he is building the infrastructure for the next generation. His goal is to establish a robust national league with regional programs affiliated with Major League Soccer (MLS) and NWSL franchises.
By creating these pathways, the AASA aims to offer spaces for everyone—from youth and recreational players who just want to enjoy the game, to elite athletes preparing for the 2026 Amputee World Cup.
How You Can Get Involved
The road to the World Cup requires more than just talent on the field. Nico and the AASA are actively seeking support in several key areas:
Fundraising: Removing financial barriers so that any committed athlete can play.
Volunteers: Skilled individuals for coaching, social media management, and administrative support.
Advocacy: Helping to share the story of amputee soccer to change global perceptions of disability.
"Our goal is to remove as many financial barriers as possible, so that if you have the determination and the will to play, you will have the opportunity to do so." — Nico Calabria
To learn more about the team’s journey or to support the AASA’s mission, follow the AASA on social media.
