Charlotte teen helps launch new nonprofit for ‘Cerebral Palsy Soccer’

CHARLOTTE — A new nonprofit in Charlotte is looking to get more kids on the soccer field, and it’s all thanks to a Charlotte teen.

For as long as he can remember, 17-year-old Ryan Wlodyka has been kicking around a soccer ball.

First, with recreation soccer, then competitive league soccer in Charlotte. But around age 12, he discovered ‘CP Soccer,’ or Cerebral Palsy Soccer.

“When you’re there for that week, you don’t have a disability,” Wlodyka said.

It’s a nationwide soccer league for kids affected by cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury.

Ryan was born prematurely at just 2 pounds and 12 ounces and lives with cerebral palsy. For Ryan, the condition causes physical delays in development and muscle spasticity. But it hasn’t stopped him from pursuing this passion.

Last year, he was picked by the U.S. Men’s C-P National team. Now, he’s trying to bring that opportunity to others.

“I knew the change that it makes, that that it made in my life. I knew, I had a feeling that it could change so many other people’s lives.”

C-P Soccer didn’t have a location in Charlotte until Ryan decided to bring one here.

“We had this one player this past week who finally got to go to school and tell his friends that he was able to finally play soccer.”

So now, every Sunday, a small team gathers to play soccer in a space of inclusivity and joy.

Cerebral Palsy Soccer is free to join for the training sessions. They play on Sundays at the OrthoCarolina Sportsplex in Pineville. It’s open to ages 5-18 and all levels of ambulatory cerebral palsy and stroke.

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