ANN ARBOR, MI (CBS DETROIT) – A new soccer clinic founded by a University of Michigan senior is gaining popularity in southeast Michigan.
Emily Eitzman founded the UM Amputee Soccer Camp after participating in the school's adaptive sports program.
“I’m currently working on starting an amputee soccer team at the University of Michigan,” she said.
This is the first such attempt in the state.
“I've provided a lot of support to different hospitals, O&P clinics, and different teams,” Eitzman said. “There was a lot of interest. In the first camp, I think there were about three amputees, and this camp already has many more.”
“I heard about this from U of M,” parent Josh Morse said. “He goes there to see his prosthetics, which is great. But it's a lot of work. It's not easy. I'm trying to keep up!”
Morse's son Benton lost his leg two years ago.
“I had cancer…it's been a while, but I'm cured of cancer,” he said. “I haven't played many sports, but it's really fun.''
Jamie Moredyke's son Owen also lost a leg to cancer.
“He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer, in 2022,” Moredyke said. “(He) underwent treatment, including amputation of his leg. He completed treatment in January last year.”
Owen began playing amputee soccer in the fall with an established program in Columbus, Ohio, she said.
However, the UM clinic is much closer to home.
“Owen was a soccer player before his diagnosis, so this allowed him to return to the sport at a more competitive level,” she said. “(And) having people around him who are in a similar situation and being more confident in things. So let's get back to the game that meant so much to him.”
Camping can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Everyone is welcome.
“So it's a little different for me,” said participant Katie Thorpe. “I was an amputee from birth, so things like this didn't exist when I was a kid. I never saw other amputees until I was in my late 20s, so I went out and It was really cool to get a chance to see people like “It's really exciting to be active and do something fun.'' ”
Thorpe is a prosthetist and orthotist who heard about the soccer camp from one of his patients.
Teresa Stankiewicz is a type 2 diabetic who recently had her leg amputated after doctors attempted to treat a severe Charcot complication in her right foot.
“I love sports and have played sports all my life, so anything I can do to keep moving forward and get my quality of life back, that's what I'm going to do,” Stankewicz said. Ta.
Stankewicz said he decided to have the amputation done after nine surgeries.
“I have a great attitude. I'm a special education teacher,” she said. “So I work with students who are in wheelchairs and things like that, so I always know things could be worse. So I try to live my life the best I can every day. I try to live my life.”
“You don't have to be an amputee in these camps,” Eitsman said. “Obviously, amputee soccer is really great for people with limb disabilities to get playing opportunities. But at these camps, I jump in, but you know, the coaches jump in too. Anyone who wants to play is welcome and we definitely encourage everyone to come out and try it out. It's really difficult and a lot of fun. ”
