SPECIAL OLYMPICS
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Atlético Dallas is proud to introduce our first-ever Unified Team, built in partnership with Special Olympics Texas. A squad where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train together, compete together, and wear the crest together. This is more than a program. It’s part of the pack. Every player who steps on the pitch for this team represents the same values we’re building this club on: Grit, Community, & Heart. Tryouts are open now, and we want to see what you’ve got!
TRYOUT DETAILS
Date: July 25, 2026
Time: 10:30AM – 12:30PM
Location: Soccer Spectrum (Outdoor Field) 1251 Digital Dr. Richardson, TX
The goal of this program is to give our team the full experience of being a player on a professional soccer team. Our Unified Team will represent our club at trainings, competitions, and community events throughout the season. Players will be evaluated on teamwork, sportsmanship, commitment, and soccer ability, with a strong emphasis on respect, inclusion, and living by our club community values.
“Building this team has been a personal goal of mine for several years. I’ve volunteered with Special Olympics for over a decade and grew up with the special needs community all my life. To me, this means more than just another soccer program. It’s about bringing joy to those who don’t always get the same opportunities we do.” – Jeremy Jones, Marketing Manager for Atlético Dallas.
Special Olympics Unified Programs bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team. Throughout the year, Unified Partners participate in a variety of sports to improve physical fitness, sharpen skills, challenge the competition and have fun!
Special Olympics adopted Unified Programs in 1989 to expand sports opportunities for athletes seeking new challenges while dramatically increasing their inclusion in the community. Today, the initiative includes almost all Special Olympics Texas sports. Unified Programs competitions are an important part of Special Olympics World Games, as well as, local, state and National Games.
GET INVOLVED
We are always looking for individuals and groups that want to get involved with our team. From volunteer events to being on the sidelines with the Unified Team, we would love to hear from you. Click the link if you’re interested in becoming a Unified Athlete, volunteering with Special Olympics, or getting involved with our Unified Team.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Unified Sports?
Unified Sports, powered by Special Olympics, brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, training and competing side by side. It’s built on the idea that everyone plays better, and everyone belongs, together.
How do I become a Unified Athlete?
Contact our Special Olympics rep: Jordan Baccus (She/Her) and they can get you setup as a Unified Athlete.
Who is eligible to tryout?
Any athlete with an intellectual disability, and any Unified Partner (teammate without an intellectual disability) that passes our background check are eligible to play.
What’s the season schedule look like?
Teams will practice weekly or every other week, depending on team availability. The season for our pro team kicks off in March 2027 and our goal is to organize two (2) official matches against official USL Unified Teams during our opening season. One home match and one away match. We will do our best to organize local matches against other Unified teams and soccer clubs in the area.
