Virtus Is Delighted To Welcome ‘Project Inspire’ As The First Affiliated Member Organisation

Virtus, the International Sport Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment, is thrilled to welcome our first Affiliated Member Organisation (AMO), Project Inspire.

Based in the United States, Project Inspire is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to creating meaningful sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental impairments. Project Inspire will work closely with Virtus National Member Organisation in the United States of America – Athletes Without Limits to develop football/soccer opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

“We are honoured to become the first-ever Affiliated Member in Virtus’ history, leading the way for other organisations worldwide to follow. We want to thank the leadership and vision of Virtus and Athletes Without Limits for expanding these membership opportunities and making this milestone possible,” says Nil Vinyals, Co-founder of Project Inspire.

“This partnership officially sanctions the ‘Inspire Soccer League’ as the first domestically recognised league for athletes with an intellectual impairment in the U.S., and creates a pathway to international competition — including the formation of the first U.S. National Soccer Teams in history,” he further added.

Affiliated Membership is a new Virtus initiative designed to strengthen our global reach and deepen our impact. Affiliates are non-voting members, a new category which enables Virtus to work with a more diverse range of local, national and international organisations to advance our mission, creating inclusive and well-structured sporting opportunities for people with an intellectual impairments. This collaboration will help identify and nurture talent, provide clear pathways for athletes to develop their skills, compete locally, and progress to international competition.

This year, Project Inspire kicked off the USA’s first year-long soccer competition designed specifically for athletes with an intellectual impairment — the Inspire Soccer League, on August 23rd at Colorado Springs Switchback FC’s Weidner Field.

“We are extremely excited to have Project Inspire as our first AMO. We have already begun exploring collaboration in competitions and in sharing educational and training resources to support their work,” said Marc Truffaut, Virtus President.

Virtus, together with Athletes Without Limits – Virtus members in the USA, will work closely with Project Inspire to further expand football opportunities in the U.S. and beyond.

Barry Holman, Co-founder and President of Athletes Without Limits, shared his enthusiasm:

“Having Project Inspire as a Virtus member will bring a unique voice and experience to our federation, while connecting them to over 90 other organisations worldwide that are working to increase opportunities and support for athletes with intellectual disability and autism. Project Inspire’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and fair play will make them a model not only in the U.S., but internationally.”

“We are proud to partner in launching the first U.S. national soccer league specifically for athletes with intellectual disability and autism — and the first in the world to implement Virtus eligibility standards to ensure fair play across the league. The Inspire League will do just that: inspire players to reach higher, inspire communities to rally behind them, and inspire society to recognise these athletes as the elite competitors they truly are.”

By joining Virtus, Project Inspire becomes part of a global community committed to driving inclusion, expanding opportunities, and celebrating the achievements of athletes with an intellectual impairment. Together, we will grow the sport, share expertise, and inspire new pathways for participation and excellence.

Welcome to the Virtus family, Project Inspire — we can’t wait to see the Inspire Soccer League in action!