After taking on Charlotte FC on August 31, Atlanta United will be taking on another regional rival this Saturday. The club hosts Nashville SC for Latin Heritage Night. The week also means an exciting event for the Atlanta United Unified Team as they will play against Nashville SC's Unified team.
Here are a few more things to know about the Atlanta United Unified Team ahead of this weekend’s match:
What is the Unified program, and when did it begin in Atlanta?
The Unified program is a league-wide initiative that began in 2013 as a part of MLS Works, Major League Soccer’s community outreach program, in partnership with Special Olympics North America (SONA). The goal of the program was to bring soccer to athletes with intellectual disabilities.
For Atlanta, the Unified Team has been baked into the club's identity since the very beginning. When Atlanta United joined the league as an expansion side in 2017, Unified already existed in MLS. Atlanta United’s founding president Darren Eales and current Director of Community Engagement Marissa Ahrens were both passionate about Atlanta having a Unified Team and made it a priority for the new club.
The Atlanta United Unified Team played its first season in 2017, just like the first team. That first year, there were 14 members and the team played two matches, one home and one away against Orlando City SC.
Who’s on the Unified roster?
The Atlanta United Unified Team is a team of athletes (those with intellectual disabilities) and partners (those without intellectual disabilities) that come together to play soccer in an inclusive manner.
Like the first team, the group wears matching gear for training sessions. For matches, the Unified team is outfitted in authentic uniforms provided by adidas. During one of the first training sessions of the year, players were surprised before practice at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. All the players received personalized travel bags and training gear.
Unified’s annual Signing Day
The roster is honored with an annual Signing Day celebration to kick off the season. In the early years, the event was held at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, either in the lobby or at the pavilion. In 2021, the program took the annual event outside the Training Ground for the first time. The signing for the 2024 squad was held at Park Tavern in Atlanta.
Signing Day is a joyful day where families are invited to watch as Unified players sign their contracts for the year, receive their jersey and celebrate the start of a new season with teammates. First team ambassadors and members of the club’s front office usually attend as well.
Longtime ambassador Brad Guzan
Unified ambassadors are first team players who participate in the program, visit training sessions and greet the Unified players on Signing Day. The initial ambassadors in 2017 were Brad Guzan, Greg Garza and Mark Bloom.
For as long as he’s been with Atlanta United, Guzan has been a Unified ambassador. This season, homegrown Tyler Wolff joins Guzan as an ambassador.
Is Unified part of MLS All-Star?
Yes! Just like with the professionals, some of the best Unified players across the league are selected to participate in the annual All-Star event. The location for Unified All-Star takes place at the same city as MLS All-Star.
On July 23, the MLS Unified All-Star Game took place in Columbus, Ohio. Each MLS team selected two players, one athlete and one partner, to represent their club to participate in the all-starmatch and festivities. This season, Atlanta United selected Kelly Robinson, and Emma Sim.
The 2024 Season for Atlanta United Unified Team
There’s was lot of anticipation for this year’s squad, which is rumored to be one of the best in club history. For matches, Unified plays at home and travels. The matches are scheduled in conjunction with the Atlanta United first team to reinforce inclusivity and showcase the talents and abilities to our supporters.
The Atlanta United Unified Team plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For away matches, the Unified team travels. This Saturday will be third match for the Unified team with year and the first this year at home. They are currently 2-0 after a 2-0 victory against Nashville's Unified team at GEODIS Park, and a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy Unified team.
