Inside the U.S. Men’s National Amputee Soccer Team’s Last Training Camp Before the World Cup
As the countdown to the World Cup enters its final stretch, every training session carries elevated intensity and focus. The U.S. Men’s National Amputee Soccer Team recently wrapped its final domestic training camp, combining elite physical conditioning, tactical fine-tuning, and meaningful community connection across Long Island.
From high-performance strength facilities to collegiate pitches, the camp served as the definitive proving ground before taking the world stage.
High-Performance Strength & Conditioning: Victory Sports Performance and SPORTIME Kings Park
Elite international competition requires unmatched physical durability, explosive power, and recovery discipline. To sharpen that edge, camp programming integrated dedicated sessions at Victory Sports Performance (VSP) in Long Island alongside training at SPORTIME Kings Park.
Anthony Vernice of VSP has played an integral role in the squad’s athletic readiness, providing the players with a structured strength and fitness program that they followed closely over the preceding months. During camp, Vernice worked directly with the squad to evaluate conditioning levels and deliver vital strategies on how to peak physically.
With tournament kickoff approaching, Vernice’s focus centered on:
Tapering and Peaking: Managing training volume and intensity to ensure peak speed, output, and freshness on matchday.
Injury Prevention and Recovery: Key mobility routines, soft-tissue maintenance, and recovery protocols built for high-demand tournament schedules.
Physical Readiness: Actionable tips to keep bodies optimized and resilient during travel and intense match fixtures.
The foundation built under VSP's guidance ensures the team steps onto the pitch physically prepared to match the international game's demands.
Bridging the Pitch: Sharing Amputee Soccer with Five Towns College
On the field, the team held joint training and engagement sessions alongside the Five Towns College Men’s Soccer Team.
Introducing collegiate athletes to the unique demands of amputee soccer created an immediate bridge of mutual respect. Experiencing the sport firsthand highlights the sheer athleticism required, from explosive crutch propulsion and rapid balance shifts to single-leg striking power and technical touch under pressure.
The exchange went both ways: after sharing the pitch with the Five Towns squad, the national team took to the sidelines over the weekend to cheer on Five Towns during their college match, bringing energy and community camaraderie to the stands.
Words of Wisdom from MLS Veteran Mike Grella
The camp was further elevated by a special visit from former MLS forward and soccer veteran Mike Grella.
Drawing from his professional career at the highest levels of the sport, Grella shared valuable perspective with the squad on what it takes to perform under intense pressure. His insights centered on mental discipline, staying composed through the unpredictable swings of tournament play, and embracing the honor that comes with competing for the badge on your chest.
Hearing from someone who has navigated the psychological battles of elite soccer reinforced the focused mindset the roster is carrying into international play.
Mission Set for the World Stage
With physical conditioning evaluated by Victory Sports Performance, sharp tactical reps logged at SPORTIME Kings Park, and impactful energy shared with Five Towns College and Mike Grella, the U.S. Men’s National Amputee Soccer Team has closed out its domestic preparation.
The tactical schemes are set, the conditioning base is secured, and the roster is united around a singular purpose.
Next stop: the World Cup.
Follow the journey as the U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team heads to the World Cup. #AmpWC26
Photos by NigelDPresents
