U.S. Coach Paige Palazzolo Represents at European Amputee Futbol Women’s Camp

The growth of women’s amputee soccer was on full display at the European Amputee Futbol Women’s Camp in Yalova, Turkey. Although no players from the U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team were able to attend, the United States was proudly represented by head coach Paige Palazzolo, who was invited to lead the advanced women’s training group during the international camp.

Hosted by the European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF) in collaboration with World Amputee Football, the camp brought together athletes and staff from around the world for a powerful weekend of development, competition, and community building.

Raising the Level of the Global Game

For Coach Palazzolo, the camp was more than a coaching assignment. It was proof of how far the women’s game has progressed in just one year.

"The last time I saw many of these players was at the World Cup in Colombia, and the level has skyrocketed. The improvement was unreal. These women are putting in the work, and you can feel how serious the momentum is now."

Throughout the weekend, the focus was on advanced technical development, tactical awareness, and building confidence. Despite the high level of play, the training environment was supportive and competitive, creating space for growth and connection among athletes.

New Talent Brings New Energy

One of the highlights of the camp was the arrival of new players from Turkey and Poland. Many of them had never participated in amputee football before. They joined training sessions for the first time and showed tremendous effort and progress.

"It was powerful to see brand new players step in and push themselves. They jumped in with courage and heart. Their growth in just one weekend was incredible."

This expansion of participation reflects the rapid development of women’s amputee soccer across Europe and beyond. More countries are investing in programs, and more women are finding opportunities to play the sport for the first time.

International Collaboration at Its Best

The camp staff included coaches and facilitators from Colombia, Poland, Turkey, and the United States. Together, they created a training environment that blended elite instruction with shared purpose.

Coach Palazzolo expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.

"Thank you to EAFF and World Amputee Football for continuing to invest in the women’s game. Your vision gives me so much hope for the future of our sport. The sisterhood that is forming globally is something special."

Looking Ahead

The United States is actively developing and recruiting players to grow the women’s program and is committed to being part of the global movement shaping the future of amputee soccer.

AASA extends appreciation to EAFF and World Amputee Football for their ongoing leadership in developing opportunities for female athletes. The American Amputee Soccer Association remains dedicated to expanding access, coaching, and training opportunities for women in the United States who are ready to compete at the national and international levels.

Inquiries about the U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team or how to get involved can be sent to info@usampsoccer.org.

Special photo credit to @yagyshoots and @worldamputeefootball for capturing the energy of the event.