Two USCAA Soccer Coaches to Represent Team USA
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - USCAA Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jason Fiscina who has coached at member institution Five Towns College since 2018 is taking his knowledge of the game to the National Stage. In March 2024, the American Amputee Soccer Association named Fiscina the Men's National Team Head Coach for US Amputee Soccer. Fiscina will be leading the team to the Gold Cup in Honduras along with preparing them for World Cup Qualifiers.
“It means a lot to represent the United States on the international stage,” said Fiscina, “The opportunity to represent our country, you can’t help but feel pride. I know I’ll get emotional when I hear our National Anthem playing.”
Amputee soccer in America began to take shape in the early 1980s when Don Bennett, an amputee himself, pioneered the sport's development in the United States. Recognizing the need for a competitive and inclusive athletic outlet for individuals with limb differences, Bennett founded the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA). The sport gradually gained momentum, with the first national amputee soccer team being formed in the late 1980s. Over the decades, the AASA has worked tirelessly to promote and grow the sport, organizing national tournaments, training camps, and community outreach programs. Today, amputee soccer in America stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its players, offering a platform for amputees to showcase their talents and engage in the camaraderie of team sports.
“For us to be successful we must play to our potential and stay connected as a family.” said Fiscina, “To qualify for the World Cup we are going to need to be our best and I believe that our guys are ready.”
Alongside Fiscina will be fellow USCAA men’s soccer coach, Darren Wynne from Bryant and Stratton Rochester, who has been added to Fiscina’s staff for their World Cup Qualifier run.
“I couldn’t be more excited to add Darren to the staff, he brings knowledge and experience.” Fiscina stated, “Having both coached against him and worked with him as athletic directors this year, I know we can bring the best out of each other and this team.”
Wynne is in his fifth season at Rochester and will bring extensive knowledge of the game to the sidelines when Team USA takes the field in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, July 5th.
"To be honest, it's an fantastic opportunity and I can't believe it," said Wynne, "To be a part of this national program and to also represent the country that has given me so much over the past 20 years. I became US Citizen since 2023, so this means a lot to me."
Fiscina and his staff have brought together top talent from across the nation to compete at the highest level. A total of eight nations will compete for one of only three coveted North and Central American spots slated for the 2026 Amputee Soccer World Cup. Teams from the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama will go head to head at Qualifiers.
About American Amputee Soccer
Our vision is to see amputee soccer flourish as a recognized and celebrated sport across the nation, breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about disability in athletics. We envision a future where every amputee has access to the resources, training, and support needed to participate in soccer at any level, from recreational to professional. By building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive amputee soccer community, we strive to create a world where amputees are celebrated for their abilities and contributions to the sport.
The United States National Amputee Soccer Team is managed by the American Amputee Soccer Association and competes internationally in the World Amputee Football Federation. The Association is a proud affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation.
About the USCAA
The USCAA is a national governing body that exists to provide opportunities for small colleges to compete against institutions for National Championships and student-athlete recognition. The 70-member association was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.