Project Inspire has launched the nation’s first-ever professional soccer league for athletes with intellectual disabilities, a game-changing step for inclusion in sports. The nonprofit, which is dedicated to advancing well-being and opportunity through competition, is setting a historic precedent in American soccer.
Among the league’s four founding members is One Knoxville SC, proudly representing Tennessee on the national stage. Their participation highlights not only a belief in the transformative power of sport but also a commitment to building a more inclusive soccer community.
“As a founding member of Project Inspire, One Knoxville SC is honored to be providing a professional platform where athletes with intellectual disabilities can compete, grow and be celebrated at the highest levels,” said Drew McKenna, Managing Partner for One Knoxville SC. “This is an area we are passionate about as a club, but also as a city. Knoxville is a soccer town, for all athletes, and we believe in the power of sport to break down barriers. We could not be more excited to be on the forefront of this movement.”
One Knox’s Role in the Movement
One Knox is helping to shape the league from its inception. The club’s Project Inspire team, led by head coach Daniel Alexander and assistant coaches Leah Runyan and Cecilia Harvanek, began training in July and is preparing for competition modeled after the professional game.
Players will wear the same kits as the USL League One professional squad, with the team traveling three times during the fall season. The league officially kicked off during the weekend of August 22-24 in Colorado Springs with its first fixture of the season. One Knox will host a marquee event at Covenant Health Park from October 3–5, featuring three matches, opening and closing ceremonies, and a full professional gameday experience.
“We are excited for our local athletes with disabilities to have an opportunity to represent their club and community while they experience competition in a challenging and professional environment,” said Daniel Alexander, head coach of the One Knox Project Inspire club.
More About Project Inspire
Project Inspire was created to ensure athletes with intellectual disabilities could access the same pride, professionalism and competitive spirit as any other player. The league requires athletes to be 16 years or older, and all expenses are covered by the participating clubs and Project Inspire itself, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of opportunity.
Alongside One Knox, the other founding members of the league include Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Spokane Impact and United Genuine FC. Together, these clubs form the backbone of the inaugural league, demonstrating a shared commitment to inclusion and setting the stage for growth in the years to come.
A National League with Local Impact
The new Project Inspire league offers athletes a chance to compete, travel and represent their city at the highest possible level. For Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA), One Knox’s role presents an opportunity to elevate inclusive soccer statewide while opening doors for member clubs to expand programming and make the game accessible to even more athletes.
“Here at TSSA, we look to partner alongside our member clubs to serve them in inspiring the next generation of soccer enthusiasts. This includes those with intellectual disabilities who may process the game differently,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of Tennessee State Soccer Association. “Connecting these athletes to our member clubs who can support them and offer them pathways is our mission.”
What’s Next
To continue building momentum for the league, Tennessee State Soccer Association and One Knox are planning to host a webinar for member clubs that are interested in learning more about Project Inspire. The session will provide details about how the league is structured, what participation looks like for clubs and how organizations can explore opportunities to get involved or support similar initiatives within their own communities. Stay tuned for more information about the webinar.
To speak with One Knoxville SC regarding any questions or to receive more information on Project Inspire, please contact Claudia Dipasupil at claudia@oneknoxsc.com.
To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!