The Inspire Soccer League is a new national competition creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in a professional environment.

Launching August 23rd, the league’s first season will feature four teams from Colorado Springs, Knoxville, Houston, and Spokane.

Each team includes at least 15 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 16 and up. Games will be held in professional stadiums as official, ticketed events, bringing competitive soccer to new audiences.

The league is run by Project Inspire, a nonprofit founded by former professional players João Gomiero and Nil Vinyals. With support from the U.S. Soccer Federation, they have built a year-long, competitive league designed to grow. 

“This league gives athletes with intellectual disabilities the chance to compete seriously and consistently,” says Nil Vinyals, league president. “It’s about providing the right environment where players can develop their skills and be recognized for their abilities.”

Unlike other programs that focus primarily on participation, Inspire aims to offer a high-level competitive pathway for athletes who want more than just occasional games. It fills a gap by offering consistent training, real competition, and the possibility to represent their teams at a national level.

Building on this strong foundation, the Inspire Soccer League plans to expand to eight teams and two conferences next year.

This article has information from the Project Inspire USA and Disability Scoop.