More than 2,000 student-athletes from 73 schools comprising of 170 teams took to the field this fall for high school unified soccer, a record-setting number for a program that continues to grow at an incredible pace.

Only a few years ago, unified soccer had about 24 teams competing statewide. This year, 24 teams alone advanced to the finals, held at America First Field in Sandy. 

For the first year, unified soccer, which is promoted by both the Utah High School Activities Association and Special Olympics Utah, provided an avenue for 48 $500 scholarships — two per team — for continued education, awarded by America First Charitable Foundation.

While several area teams won state titles — Bingham, Herriman, Hunter blue, Murray, Skyline — or were runners-up Highland, Hunter gray, Jordan, West Jordan — most participants agree unified soccer is about much more than winning. It’s about inclusion, friendship and giving every student the chance to be part of a team.

Alexis Brown understands that mission, both as a former partner and as a coach of three teams at Riverton High. 

“The bigger that it grows, the more it shows that students with disabilities are just as capable of doing things as everyone else,” Brown said. “It gets the gen ed population more involved and less scared of what’s stigmatized about disabilities — they start to see that they’re just normal people having a good time.”

Riverton’s unified club, Wolf Buddies, is central to that effort. “We go to football games, school plays, dances; the goal is to get our students as involved in the high school experience as possible,” Brown said. “High school is fun, and they deserve to be included.”

Senior Kevin Perez said his Riverton team has bonded on and off the field. 

“We’re a good team and we prepared,” he said. “We play two times per week. I like scoring goals and kicking the ball. I like my team too — we’re great together.”

Riverton senior Mac Wall, who once played varsity volleyball, said unified sports have meant even more. 

“The fun I have in unified sports is way more exciting than anything I found in varsity programs,” Wall said. “The connection between people is completely unmatched. Everyone’s kind; there’s no drama. We’re a tight-knit group.”

Hillcrest High senior Yadiel Rodriguez said playing unified soccer and basketball “is fun because we play with our friends; we go out to the movies, hang out, go bowling. It’s special to be part of the team.”

His teammate, senior Ella Blackbourn, agreed: “I find a lot of joy being around these people who are always happy and positive; they’re amazing people. The bond we’ve formed is really cool.”

“It’s about being part of something,” said Murray junior Landyn Timms. “They all have heart to play the game — they’re all very skilled too. It just smoothens my heart to see how happy they are when they get to play.”

His teammate, Pit Soe, was excited about the team’s state championship.

“It’s pretty cool; now we get to eat and celebrate,” he said. “It’s a fun team to play on. We help each other playing and at other times.”

West Jordan High coach Sheldon Russell said his team’s second-place finish was more than just a result. 

“They’re a tight-knit group because these guys are together a lot of the day,” Russell said. “Many have been in the same class since elementary school. Playing together and playing in the championship I count as a win, especially since our kids don’t get very many wins to begin with. The inclusion and spirit of unified sports really redefine high school sports.” 

Hillcrest team played in the regional high school unified soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)