In the highlands of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, a group of women is rewriting the playbook of soccer. Ten South American nations have gathered for a week‑long camp that blends intensive balance work, crutch‑driven footwork, and ball‑control drills, all under the watchful eyes of seasoned coaches.
The participants share a common story: each lost a limb to infection, injury, or conflict, yet each has turned that loss into a new kind of agility. The sport’s rules require them to remove any prosthetic limbs before competition, relying solely on crutches and lower‑body strength to maneuver the ball.
Coaching Excellence Across Borders
Adding depth to the program are former elite amputee players, among them members of the U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team. Their presence brings a global perspective, as they demonstrate techniques honed on fields from Gaza to Rwanda, where the sport has flourished amid adversity.
The training curriculum is comprehensive. Coaches focus on everything from maintaining stability on uneven terrain to mastering the seven‑a‑side format that defines amputee soccer. Tactical sessions dissect game scenarios, while repetitive drills embed muscle memory for rapid transitions between defense and attack.
Historical context adds weight to the current effort. Men’s amputee soccer has been contested internationally since the 1980s, with a World Cup held every four years. The women’s game, however, is still emerging; its inaugural World Cup took place in 2024, with Colombia claiming the first title.
Looking ahead, the 2027 edition will be staged in Poland, though the exact city and dates remain undecided. Bolivia, eager to stake its claim on the world stage, is using this camp to assess talent and build a cohesive national squad. Lidia Mayser, president of the Santa Cruz sports council, envisions a federation that could represent her country in future tournaments.
For Filomena Luna, a 50‑year‑old mother of six who lost her leg at age eleven, the camp is more than a training ground — it is a pathway to global recognition. "I want to wear the Bolivian jersey and show the world what we can do," she says, her voice echoing the determination of her teammates.
Beyond individual ambition, the camp symbolizes a broader push for inclusion. By spotlighting amputee athletes from war‑torn regions such as Gaza and Rwanda, organizers hope to inspire similar initiatives worldwide, proving that sport can thrive even when the playing field looks different.