Winthrop Fields Team in Inspire Soccer League
The volunteer-run squad is part of the first nationwide, year-long competitive league for athletes with intellectual impairment.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
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Winthrop University now fields a team in the Inspire Soccer League, the first nationwide, year-long competitive league for athletes with intellectual impairment. The volunteer-run team began training over the summer and will host its first home fixture at Eagle Field on November 21-22.
Why it matters
The program expands competitive soccer opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment in Rock Hill and the surrounding area. Its funding model is designed so that finances do not keep any athlete from taking part.
Winthrop set a $30,000 operating budget for the team, and a grant from the Inspire Soccer League covers part of that amount. The remaining funds are to be raised through donations and sponsorships, and the exact grant share was not disclosed.
The players
Winthrop University
A public university in Rock Hill, South Carolina, which fields the team and provides its coaching and recruiting support.
Inspire Soccer League
A nationwide competitive soccer league for athletes with intellectual impairment, which provides a grant that covers part of the Winthrop team's budget.
Mikaela Sites
The Inspire team lead at Winthrop who oversees the program's day-to-day operations.
The details
Athletes play at no cost, and the team's first season included travel across the country. Winthrop's women's soccer team and coaching staff helped launch the program through initial training sessions and recruiting, and Winthrop soccer alumni volunteer as coaches who complete SafeSport training and background checks. The team also works with a local sport psychologist to support athletes' well-being.
Timeline
Training for the team began over the summer.
The team hosts its first home fixture at Eagle Field on November 21-22, including the All-Star Game and Championship Weekend.
Season Trajectory
The Inspire Soccer League is the first nationwide, year-long competitive league for athletes with intellectual impairment, and Winthrop's entry extends its reach into South Carolina. The team plans to keep growing, reach more athletes and establish Winthrop and Rock Hill as leaders in inclusive athletics.
Athletes with intellectual impairment can join the team at no cost, and the Winthrop program is designed so that finances do not keep anyone off the roster. Fans in the area can attend the home fixtures at Eagle Field during the November 21-22 weekend.
The takeaway
The Winthrop team shows how a university can build a competitive, cost-free sports option for athletes with intellectual impairment using volunteer coaches and outside funding. Readers interested in supporting the program can contribute through donations or sponsorships.
What happens next
The team's first home fixture takes place at Eagle Field on November 21-22, including the All-Star Game and Championship Weekend.
Further reading
For more coverage of youth and collegiate play, see the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My TJ Now.
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