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Writer's pictureEliott Hu
Dec 28, 20205 min read

A Year To Remember for CP Soccer Players

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In March, as the coronavirus kicked into full-throttle, it forced the world to adapt. If you thought that CP Soccer was going to pause, you could not have been more wrong. Our tenacious players and passionate coaches allowed nothing to stop them from creating a year that involved daily training, unprecedented global events and unique awards.


Ashley Hammond, one of CP Soccer’s co-founders, is the type of person who cannot sit still. With in-person gathering suspended, he refused to let his players rest, and thus suggested a daily training that would happen over Zoom. Through these hour-long sessions we saw both veterans of the CP Soccer US scene and countless fresh talents. Players of all ages tuned in from across all US time zones. The training began right after school for many players. If you know a CP Soccer player, you would know that they don’t let obstacles get in their way. Some players trained in their tiny bedrooms using the most creative of props. Some kicked around in their living rooms, some in their basement, some lucky ones in their large backyards, and some went to the park. Many of their pets joined in too, and at least a couple of iPads and flower pots suffered casualties. Nevertheless, everyone’s dedication was the greatest achievement. Many of the older players set up the meetings and equipment themselves, and the parents of the younger kids joined in every day.

As we grew increasingly comfortable with the format, we invited guests from all over the soccer world. Ex-professional Alexi Lalas, MLS forward Jordan Morris and current USMNT national team head coach Gregg Berhalter were among some of our most high profile guest visitors. These, and many more, were all contacted through the unwavering commitment of, parent volunteer, Lacey Nicholl. Every weekday, for 11 weeks, Coach Ash and his son, USPNT player Shea Hammond, ran engaging sessions for players to hone their skills. Afterwards, we would get to meet and question a special guest, many of our questions ranged from the staples of “what was the best moment of your career and, the less conventional, “what posters do you have on your wall?”. We did more soccer on those Zooms than if we had played in-person. The work of players, coaches and volunteers fostered an experience that would inspire much more.

In this period we managed to establish some inside jokes. Anything from Harrison’s left foot to what vessel to use for the bucket challenge, to Will’s pool. These things all brought us together, making the sessions all the more vibrant. One of the best things about this was that it provided kids with CP with an opportunity to interact with each other, despite some of them never meeting in person.


Imagine a day when kids, with CP, from all across the world, could all play soccer together, it is not anywhere near what many deemed possible. But, again, the ambitious volunteers of CP Soccer US organised a history-making Goes Global Day. 20 nations registered over 100 players to train. Coach Ash now led four times as many kids through toe-taps, juggling and volleys. For Goes Global Day 2, the number of participating nations increased. This time, players competed in a competition against others in similar age groups and prizes we dished-out based on the amount of skills completed. Everyone got the chance to represent their nation. For World CP Day, CP Soccer US produced a global event with the IFCPF, this time, they featured guests with CP from various contrasting backgrounds. Everyone was mesmerized and inspired by their unique stories.


December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and US Soccer dedicated the month to their disability players. CP Soccer partnered with the other US disability soccer organizations to produce an inclusive training. It featured players from a variety of backgrounds, ages and skill levels but most crucially, disabilities. Participants had the opportunity to meet players from the deaf, blind, dwarf, amputee and TOPS teams. At the end of the day, it was an event that embodied a myriad of CP Soccer US’ virtues like tenacity, inclusivity and passion.



Over the winter break we heard that USPNT coach Stuart Sharp had nominated us for the disability player of year award. Though unusual, Coach Sharp said that due to the players having incredible work ethic and rock-solid mindset, he felt there was no one more deserving of the award, despite it typically being taken home by a national team player. On the day of the announcement, Coach Ash was taking us through our usual routine until we were joined by reigning winner, Nick Mayhugh and two-time winner of the men's award Christian Pulisic. After all that corny stuff that grown-ups say, Nick Mayhugh announced that CP soccer US were the winner of the disability player of the year award. It was the first time that an organization had won the honor. There were loud cheers and jumping! Beyond anything, winning the award was a testament to the work of an ever-growing number of hard working people.


CHRISTIAN PULISIC JOINED OUR ZOOM


2020 tested everyone, it was seen as a hindrance to the progression of CP soccer. It really wasn’t, we came together as a community and made the best of the situation. The title of the CP Soccer annual update was: “A Breakout Year, Dispute Significant Covid-19 Setbacks.” I couldn't agree more. The 3rd annual CP soccer summer camp was cancelled, an overseas tournament was postponed and the traditional weekly training was suspended. In light of that CP Soccer was able to do so many extraordinary things. 2021 can only mean an even larger expansion of territories. In the annual update, CP Soccer US stated their intention to expand by creating new teams, and hosting and competing in international tournaments.


COACH ASH AND HIS CP SOCCER CREW


There are way too many people to thank. Thank you to all the players for making the best of your circumstances. Thank you to all parents for putting up with the far-from-ideal banging. Thank you to all the volunteers, you went out of your way to make all this possible. There were way too many names that I couldn't include but just know that we are more appreciative than could ever be expressed with words on a page. Lastly, despite his refusal to take the credit he truly deserves, the biggest thank you goes Coach Ash. Thank you for coaching our daily training and remarkable events. Thank you for maintaining that same positive attitude that inspires so many of us, you humble us all. Thank you all for your passion, grit and work rate. No doubt, there is so much more to come in 2021. Even this supposed review, couldn’t do everything that we achieved this year justice.




By Eliott Hu, New York

December 2020


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