A hometown triumph
David Dowling, a Fort Wayne native, has earned a spot on the U.S. Power Soccer National Team and will compete in the national championship in his hometown. Born with limited movement in both his arms and legs, he discovered powerchair soccer at age nine or ten, a sport that has become a powerful outlet for his competitive energy.
The tournament runs through Sunday, June 28 at Turnstone’s Plassman Athletic Center, where Dowling will face off against other elite athletes. He is one of four Indiana players on the national roster, alongside Michael Archer, Lexi Heer and Jordan Dickey.
Michael Archer, who describes representing Team USA as an amazing and unique experience, will join Dowling on the squad. The other Indiana athletes bring diverse backgrounds but share a common drive to showcase the sport on the national stage.
Future on the world stage
Dowling views the opportunity to represent his country at an international level as the biggest honor an athlete can receive. After the championship, he will transition to training for the World Cup in Argentina later this year, a prospect that underscores the growing reach of powerchair soccer.
The United States Power Soccer Association, the sport’s governing body, has been instrumental in developing talent like Dowling and organizing national events. Its support network helps athletes balance competition with personal goals.