Hollister power soccer team fights to stay together

“Finding the power from within” — that’s the motto of a wheelchair soccer team in Hollister. The Hollister Freewheelers came together 18 years ago and since then they’ve won five national championships. Now, their next season is in jeopardy. On Saturday, NewsChannel 5 found out why the team is fighting to stay together.

Power soccer is about so much more than the score. For Carlos Vazquez, it’s a chance to be a part of a team.

“When I was in 6th grade, people wouldn’t include me,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez has cerebral palsy and speaking is difficult. But this sport and this team, have helped him find his voice.

“They are like my second family,” Vasquez said.

The Hollister Freewheelers came together when a husband and wife moved to Hollister and recognized the need for wheelchair sports. Now they run the team in addition to their full-time jobs.

“It sounds overstated to say this is life-changing, but it really is life-changing,” team manager Susan Napier said.

“We’ve won five national championships, we’ve had the chance to travel to Europe to develop the sport internationally. And I was the best man in one of my player’s wedding,” coach Don Jones said.

But keeping the team together hasn’t been easy.

“There’s always rough patches, but this particular year has been very difficult with fundraising,” Napier said.

The equipment and travel is expensive and they’ve been struggling to find a space to practice. But no one wants this to be their final season. Vasquez said he has more to learn.

“They give me life tips and sort of ways to become a better person,” Vasquez said.

With a little help, the team may have a fighting chance to stick around. Power soccer has mental and physical benefits. Even though the players are sitting during the games, coaches said their heart rates get into aerobic levels.