The Real Salt Lake Unified soccer team officially launched its 2026 season during a media day at the Zion's Bank Training Center in Herriman, marking the tenth year of the club's partnership with the Special Olympics. The event featured athletes unveiling new season kits and participating in professional headshots alongside the first team.
A Decade of Unified Soccer
The 2026 season kickoff, held on a Wednesday morning in August, allowed RSL Unified athletes to connect with the professional first team in a memorable experience. This media day served as a formal introduction to the upcoming year of competition for the squad, which focuses on uniting athletes with intellectual disabilities with partners without intellectual disabilities as teammates for training and games.
Mission and Impact
Real Salt Lake has fielded a Special Olympics Unified soccer team every year since 2016. The program operates under the umbrella of the Special Olympics, an organization created in 1968 that supports 5.5 million athletes through 244 national programs across 193 countries. The mission of the Special Olympics is to combat intolerance, injustice, inactivity, and social isolation faced by its athletes.
Development Through Sport
The Unified soccer model is designed to provide year-round training and athletic competition for its participants. According to RSL, the program offers athletes opportunities to develop physical fitness, develop leadership skills, and find a sense of community through sports.
The 2026 Roster
The RSL Unified roster for the current season includes a diverse group of athletes and partners. The athlete roster consists of Addison Walker, Brayden Cheeney, Weston Harry, Samuel Jensen, Porter Wilson, Ryan Walker, Mostafa Saedi, Alejandro Galvez, and Nichael London. The partner roster includes Luis De La Paz, Oliver Holgate, Ben Valiz, Anthony Chavez, Khloe London, Aleck Amante, Jarron Jensen, and Ben McQueen.
Season Schedule and Matchups
The team's schedule for the year includes several key matchups. The squad traveled to play its first match against Dallas Unified on Saturday, May 9. Following that opening contest, the team played two matches against the Colorado Rapids Unified, including one at America First Field on Saturday, May 16 following a match between RSL and the Colorado Rapids. The team is scheduled to finish its season in Denver on Saturday, August 29.
Community Connection
RSL Unified continues to be a cornerstone of the club's community outreach efforts. By pairing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, the program emphasizes inclusivity and the concept that the team is the star, fostering a community for athletes through consistent athletic engagement.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 season progresses, the RSL Unified squad remains a central part of the club's commitment to the Special Olympics mission, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a professional stage.
