PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC welcomed a new squad this week as it officially announced a partnership with the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center’s adaptive power soccer program.

Under the agreement, the Ability360 power soccer team will be rebranded as the Ability360 Phoenix Rising Power Soccer Program. The team will sport a similar crest to their counterparts and become the first local power soccer program to be affiliated with a professional soccer team. 

Power Soccer is played by people with disabilities using a custom power wheelchair specifically designed for the sport. Played on basketball courts, each team consists of four players including a goalkeeper. Using a foot guard that extends past the front of the chair, players pass and shoot an oversized soccer ball. 

“We are beyond excited,” said Gus LaZear, VP & General Manager of Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. “Community partnerships such as this give our players and fans a sense of pride that can make all the difference.”

Rising FC is the latest Championship club to strike a partnership with a local power soccer program, with Louisville City FC having teamed up with Kentuckiana Power Soccer earlier this year. Both clubs are members of the United States Power Soccer Association, which has aided the growth of the sport for more than a decade. Earlier this year, the Ability360 team won the Founders Conference title at the U.S. Power Soccer Nationals.

Rising FC and Ability360 are preparing to host activities next year that will allow fans to become involved via the Rising partnership.

“Soccer is a sport that brings people together around the world and we are thrilled to welcome these great athletes into the Rising family,” said Rising FC General Manager Bobby Dulle. “We look forward to providing another platform to expand the reach of adaptive power soccer.”