Powerchair football has been played worldwide for decades. In the 1970s, innovative teachers in France developed a version of "soccer" tailored for students with severe physical disabilities who used power wheelchairs. The game initially used an old basketball and wooden boards along the court's edges.

In the early days, different countries developed their own versions of powerchair football, unaware of each other's efforts. In 1988, Power Soccer was introduced to the USA by BORP, a disabled sports program. founded by university students in Berkeley, California. BORP proceeded to introduce other interested organizations to the sport through clinics and these clinics led to programs starting in San Jose, Hollister and San Diego. Eric Dornan joined the San Diego team in 1992 and met a teammate that would change his life and the lives of many who play the sport today, Jerry Frick.

In January 2005, 24 representatives from seven countries (France, US, Canada, Japan, England, Belgium and Portugal) met in Le Chesnay, France and laid the groundwork for the formation of the International Powerchair Football Association (IPFA). IPFA’s objectives were to develop an international governing body for Powerchair football and to promote the sport worldwide. Merging the four major variations of the game (French, Canadian/American, Japanese, English) into one standardized international format was established as the top priority.

In October 2005, representatives from seven countries gathered in Coimbra, Portugal. Teams from France, Japan, England, and the United States demonstrated their unique rules and styles. After extensive discussions, the delegations unanimously agreed to adopt the English rules as the foundation for international competition.

During this time, a dedicated group of individuals, including Jonathan Newman, Chris Mulholland, Rick Armbrust, Barbara Peacock, David Ruelas, and Jerry Frick, began forming an organization to govern power soccer in the U.S. They drafted a Constitution and Bylaws to establish a framework for the sport's development nationwide. By August 2006, elections were held, and the United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) was founded under the leadership of Dominic Russo, Karen Russo, Jonathan Newman, Jerry Frick, Patty Cornelius, and Ericka Sutton. Officially established in October 2006, USPSA achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2007.

Over nine months, rules were debated, tested, and refined. In July 2006, teams and delegates from multiple countries, including Canada, Denmark, England, France, Japan, and the U.S., met in Atlanta, Georgia. While teams participated in practice sessions and a test tournament, delegates finalized the sport's constitution and elected the first officers. By the end of these meetings, the standardized Laws of the Game were adopted, and the organization was renamed the Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA), with headquarters in Paris, France. US soccer federation Referee and Instructor Chris Mulholland led the development of the International Laws of the Game.

USPSA institutes conference play with four different conferences, Premier, Champions, Presidents, and Founders. One major benefit from the switch is that over 40 teams can compete for a national title. This new structure increase parity in the national tournament because teams with similar skill levels to compete against each other. Conferences evolve each year through promotion and relegation of the top and bottom teams in each conference.

As underdogs, Team USA travels to Tokyo, Japan in 2007 for the first ever World Cup. The team makes it to the final and defeats France and comes home crowned World Cup champions. This time as favorites, Team USA travels to Paris, France to compete in the 2011 World Cup. After defeating France in the semi final, Team USA defeats England in the final to become two-time World Cup champions.

Eddie McGuire and Power Soccer Shop develop a new type of wheelchair designed specifically for Power Soccer called the Strikeforce. It quickly takes over the sport and revolutionizes the game. The chair helps level the playing field and creates a more exciting fast paced game. A large majority of Power Soccer athletes throughout the word use the Strikeforce today.

For the first time ever the top teams in the world compete for the World Cup on US soil. The massive event brings 10 teams, over 150 athletes, staff, referees, and classifiers, and thousands of spectators.

USPSA becomes recognized as an official Disabled Service Organization by US Soccer. This relationships help spread the impact of Power Soccer in the US through increase collaboration and social media presence. Along with being an official DSO, US Soccer officially launches Team USA has an Extended National Team in 2022. This support allow the athletes to focus on training and performance and allows USPA to focus on growing club power soccer throughout the country instead of supporting the national team.

Over the next several years, many powerchair associations formed around the world and the number of teams competing within FIPFA worldwide is estimated at over 250.   As the game continues to evolve, so does the equipment, the rules and…most of all, the players.