For Joe Farrell’s rehabilitation, therapy and recovery from stroke. #getjoebackonthepitch #strokessuck
What Happened and Why Joe Needs Help
On May 8, 2020, Joe’s life took a difficult turn when he suffered a major stroke, causing severe damage and resulting in partial paralysis on the left side of his body and some speech loss. Joe suffered the stroke on the morning of Friday, May 8, shortly after filling his passion the night before--training Richmond community kids in the beautiful game of soccer (or football as Joe and his mates call it).
Joe was under extensive care at the Johnston Willis Neuroscience ICU for almost a week before being transferred to the rehabilitation department to begin his long journey to recovery. He recently endured his first rehab session, working harder than ever, with his wonderful wife Miriam by his side every minute. Doctors expect that Joe will have some level of intense rehabilitation for the next 6-12 months.
Why We Love Joe
Joe has a boundless dedication to his friends and family and the game of soccer. It’s impossible to match Joe’s energy and love for his wife and his 4 year old son, Joseph (his “wee” boy as they say in Scotland). As you can imagine, Joe made sure that Joseph had a soccer ball at his feet since he could walk and has even been seen wearing a pint sized kilt!
Like so many of us, we found ourselves connected to Joe through the game of soccer. He has an infectious and energetic personality that draws you to him and his passion for the game. His impact on Richmond youth and soccer can’t be overstated. He has inspired so many young boys and girls to chase their dreams and helped put Richmond on the map as a national soccer and futsal destination.
Born in Scotland, Joe is a former collegiate and youth professional player. Joe has committed his life to youth soccer development, helping lead Chesterfield United soccer club for 16 years before co-founding FutsalRVA, an organization focused on teaching area children the game of futsal, which is a 5 v 5 small-sized soccer game played on a hard surface with a heavier ball. Under Joe’s leadership, FutsalRVA has introduced thousands of local kids to this international game and developed a number of teams that have won regional and national championships. Joe plays a significant role in futsal at a national level as well, having been appointed as the Southeast Regional director for the United States Youth Futsal association, the preeminent futsal organization in America. Joe also helps lead OwnTouch soccer, a premier technical soccer training center in Richmond where Joe develops soccer players of all abilities to gain better touch on the ball and confidence in the game.
Joe’s positive and infectious approach to coaching has made him highly respected and successful throughout the Richmond community and on the national level. Joe has built a reputation of being a true player’s coach and Director, relating easily to the needs of players and parents both on and off the futsal court.
Let’s Get Joe Back on the Pitch
Joe needs our help. He will have a difficult and costly road to recovery. All contributions will go directly to his family for medical expenses, food, housing and other costs not covered by insurance. Unfortunately insurance will not cover all of the rehabilitation needs and other miscellaneous expenses.
We will post regular updates here, and any contribution is greatly appreciated by Joe and his family. Please help Joe, as he has touched so many of our lives through his own generosity, positivity and dedication to the development of children.
What Happened and Why Joe Needs Help
On May 8, 2020, Joe’s life took a difficult turn when he suffered a major stroke, causing severe damage and resulting in partial paralysis on the left side of his body and some speech loss. Joe suffered the stroke on the morning of Friday, May 8, shortly after filling his passion the night before--training Richmond community kids in the beautiful game of soccer (or football as Joe and his mates call it).
Joe was under extensive care at the Johnston Willis Neuroscience ICU for almost a week before being transferred to the rehabilitation department to begin his long journey to recovery. He recently endured his first rehab session, working harder than ever, with his wonderful wife Miriam by his side every minute. Doctors expect that Joe will have some level of intense rehabilitation for the next 6-12 months.
Why We Love Joe
Joe has a boundless dedication to his friends and family and the game of soccer. It’s impossible to match Joe’s energy and love for his wife and his 4 year old son, Joseph (his “wee” boy as they say in Scotland). As you can imagine, Joe made sure that Joseph had a soccer ball at his feet since he could walk and has even been seen wearing a pint sized kilt!
Like so many of us, we found ourselves connected to Joe through the game of soccer. He has an infectious and energetic personality that draws you to him and his passion for the game. His impact on Richmond youth and soccer can’t be overstated. He has inspired so many young boys and girls to chase their dreams and helped put Richmond on the map as a national soccer and futsal destination.
Born in Scotland, Joe is a former collegiate and youth professional player. Joe has committed his life to youth soccer development, helping lead Chesterfield United soccer club for 16 years before co-founding FutsalRVA, an organization focused on teaching area children the game of futsal, which is a 5 v 5 small-sized soccer game played on a hard surface with a heavier ball. Under Joe’s leadership, FutsalRVA has introduced thousands of local kids to this international game and developed a number of teams that have won regional and national championships. Joe plays a significant role in futsal at a national level as well, having been appointed as the Southeast Regional director for the United States Youth Futsal association, the preeminent futsal organization in America. Joe also helps lead OwnTouch soccer, a premier technical soccer training center in Richmond where Joe develops soccer players of all abilities to gain better touch on the ball and confidence in the game.
Joe’s positive and infectious approach to coaching has made him highly respected and successful throughout the Richmond community and on the national level. Joe has built a reputation of being a true player’s coach and Director, relating easily to the needs of players and parents both on and off the futsal court.
Let’s Get Joe Back on the Pitch
Joe needs our help. He will have a difficult and costly road to recovery. All contributions will go directly to his family for medical expenses, food, housing and other costs not covered by insurance. Unfortunately insurance will not cover all of the rehabilitation needs and other miscellaneous expenses.
We will post regular updates here, and any contribution is greatly appreciated by Joe and his family. Please help Joe, as he has touched so many of our lives through his own generosity, positivity and dedication to the development of children.