Charlie Howard, an integral part of the U13 Striking Lightning since he was six, was invited to play with the U.S. Paralympic Team at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., this summer. 

The 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team just missed qualifying for the 2008 Paralympics in China and is now looking at some young players who might be able to help them in future years. Charlie is the youngest player invited to the training camp. He has been inspired to excel in sports by other individuals with disabilities, including former DCSSL player Eli Wolff. Wolff was a member of the U.S. National Soccer Team from 1995 - 2004, and a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in the 1996 and 2004 Paralympic Games. Good luck, Charlie!