UNIFIED PROGRAM - Ages 12-18 

The Special Olympics Massachusetts and Holden Youth Soccer have partnered to offer thus unique soccer opportunity for players with intellectual disabilities for players aged 12-18 years old.  Unified soccer, a program of Special Olympics, promotes social inclusion by uniting individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams for training and competition, fostering friendships and understanding through shared sports experiences. 

•       Teams composed of players both with and without intellectual disabilities (ID) with minimal soccer rules modifications

•       All players of ages 12-18 across mainstream, autism spectrum, and any ID are welcome and should be capable of being an individual  contributor to a team environment (i.e., without 1:1 support)

•       The program strives to provide meaningful social inclusion for all players and promotes an equal role for all despite different abilities

•       Practices/scrimmages held weekly to develop peer-to-peer friendships through the game of soccer

•       Additional opportunities:

• In the fall season, Unified players compete in the Special Olympics State Cup at the Governor’s Academy in Newbury. The event includes team bus ride, opening ceremonies, multiple games, and an awards ceremony.
• Teams can participate in the Special Olympics Unified Fitness Challenge where partners train together on fitness goals and compete in United Through Sports World Virtual Youth Festival.
• In 2021, a league team was formed to compete against other Massachusetts Unified teams. The league offers an additional commitment and challenge for interested players.
• HYS is pioneering this unique operating model by introducing the Unified sports model into town youth sports

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