Mission Statement
USA Deaf Socce
r Association’s mission is to empower deaf and hard of hearing female and male soccer players with the opportunity to represent and contribute to the United States of America and the deaf and hard of hearing community on both a national and international stage. USADSA supports the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf motto: Per Ludos Aequalitas (Equality through Sports); and, adheres to the ideals of the Deaflympics.
Deafness in Soccer
Deafness is a hidden ‘disability’. In sports such as soccer, players face certain hidden disadvantages, such as not being able to hear their coach’s instructions during a game, a referee’s decision or the roar of the crowd. Because deaf soccer players compete regularly against their hearing peers, these aspects of the game taken for granted, can make a difference during the course of a match.
Under international criteria, to be eligible to compete in deaf soccer competitions, players must have an average hearing loss of 55 Decibels or more in their best ear. All players competing in deaf matches must remove all hearing aids before playing which creates another obstacle to overcome, balance – another important advantage for a hearing player.
About USA Deaf Soccer
Generally, the men and women’s team plays at a level equal to that of a strong NCAA Division 2 team. Players who will be successful with these teams typically have club and/or college soccer background.
The women are the regining 2005, 2009, and 2013 Deaflympics Gold Medal winners. They are also the regining 2012 and 2016 Deaf World Cup Champions.
There is no age minimum or maximum requirement. The ages of players selected to the squad range from as young as 15 to as old as 38, with the average age being approximately 23 to 26.
If you are interested in trying out for the Men’s Squad, please contact the men’s representative Will Frentz.
If you are interested in trying out for the Women’s Squad please contact the women’s representative Meghan Maiwald.