Syracuse, NY (NCC News) – Power Soccer teams from all over the country met last weekend in CNY to show why sports are way more than just a game.
Tom Cunningham has been involved with Power Soccer for a long time, a sport his son Drew played. Like many others who play, Drew had muscular dystrophy – a group of diseases that cause muscles to get weaker over time. He passed away a few years ago.
“He could’ve just folded after he lost his son, but instead he’s living through him and doing something that he’s so passionate about,” said Mark Chaupetta, head coach of New England FC, who is a father of twin sons with muscular dystrophy.
Tom and CNY United started the annual ‘Memorial Power Soccer Tournament,’ honoring his son Drew and his two other players that passed away, Patrick Coggins and Patrick Marshfield.
“We got to know each other as friends when our sons actually joined the national team, and the fact that he’s continuing to run this tournament, in memory of not only his son, but two other players of his that passed away. It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing,” said Chaupetta.
What is Power Soccer?
Power Soccer is an inclusive sport for individuals who use power wheelchairs to play soccer. Players maneuver their power wheelchairs equipped with specialized footguards to pass, dribble, and shoot an oversized soccer ball, according to the US Power Soccer Association. ‘Combining the strategy and energy of traditional soccer with accessibility, power soccer provides a unique and competitive environment for players with physical disabilities.’
“It just feels great to be out here to kind of let go of the things that we deal with throughout our lives, and just to be able to focus on competing against each other, and be athletes,” said Peyton Sefick, CNY United and US Men’s National team power soccer player. “It’s all about community for our team and the sport at large.”
Keeping The Sport Alive
The 2025 Memorial Tournament had five teams from the northeast coast, as far north as Montreal, Canada and as far south as Virginia Beach. CNY United and Peyton finished the weekend with some wins, going 4-0-1 (W-L-T) in the tournament.
Peyton and Tom’s son, Drew, were best friends and played power soccer together for decades. Despite being a part of this annual tournament, Peyton isn’t done coming up with ways to honor his friend.
“One of the things that I’ve been working on over the past year and a half, in Drew’s name, is the Drew Cunningham Mentorship Program,” said Sefick.
Through the program one kid is selected that’s under 16 years old, which means they’re not yet eligible to play for the national team. The player will get invited to a national team training camp and get mentored by Peyton and the rest of the team.
“We actually had the first ever award winner come out to a training camp, experience being on the team, get to know the coaches and the players, and that’s just really exciting for me as a player that’s been around for so long,” said Sefick. “I know the sports in a really good spot, when I see players out there that are making me look silly. It’s exciting to see.”
Power Soccer is all about competitiveness, but Tom, Peyton, and the rest of their community know it means so much more.
“Take the ‘D,’ the ‘I,’ and the ‘S’ out, and it’s just about ‘ability.’ That’s what our life is about. [Power Soccer] changes lives. When these players are on the court, they’re not disabled. They’re all the same,” said Chaupetta.