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.”

Herriman High’s Issac Reed scores a goal to seal the school’s state championship in unified soccer at America First Field. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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.”

Across the field, Bingham sophomore Eliza Millet shared similar feelings. 

“I like to play together with my team; they’re special to me,” she said. “I like kicking the ball, running with the team and celebrating.” 

Ryann Jensen, another Bingham sophomore and president of Bingham Buddies, added, “It brings everyone together. Sometimes people get overlooked so this kind of brings awareness to them. We’re all here to have a fun time.”

Jordan High, Coach Jenna Fox and her players emphasized teamwork and connection. 

“With freshmen new to the team, we’ve had to learn to build new relationships, learn skills and include new kids; they’ve really connected,” she said.

One of her players, junior Dimas Deleon, added, “I like soccer, playing with friends. It’s fun to get them involved and play side by side.”

Jordan senior Caden Crocker chimed in: “I like the teamwork and how the team is positive. It’s fun for everyone.”

Mountain Ridge High senior Caden Anderson and sophomore Justin Quick carry the torch at the regional unified high school tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Mountain Ridge High, sophomore Justin Quick was a torch bearer at the regional tournament; he participates in unified soccer, track and basketball.

“I’m excited to play with my friends – and I hope to score 10 goals,” he said. 

Carrying the torch alongside him was his teammate, senior Caden Anderson, who said unified sport is a bonding experience. 

“Peer tutors, athletes — we all come together. It really brings our school together,” he said.

“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.”