Atlanta United Announces 2023 Special Olympics Unified Team, Presented by Gallagher
March 16, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release
ATLANTA - Atlanta United announced on Wednesday its 2023 Special Olympics Unified Team, presented by Gallagher. Held at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park, the Unified Team celebrated the start of its seventh season at its annual Signing Day event where players signed their contracts and were joined by Atlanta United players and Unified ambassadors Brad Guzan, Derrick Etienne Jr. and Andrew Gutman.
Launched in 2017, Atlanta United's Unified Team is part of MLS WORKS' collaboration with Special Olympics North America (SONA) to form the Special Olympics Unified Sports Soccer Exchange Program. The program unites individuals with and without intellectual disabilities as members of one team to promote an environment of social inclusion through soccer.
"Unified Signing Day is one of my favorite days of the year," said Atlanta United goalkeeper and Unified Ambassador Brad Guzan. "The Unified Team is not only a joy to be involved with, but it also continuously reminds you why we play soccer, and that's to have fun. Whether it's at practice, at games, or riding on the team plane for road trips, the players always have a smile on their face. The connection between the athletes and partners represents everything good about the sport of soccer, and I couldn't be more proud to help them kick off their seventh season."
Atlanta United Unified has two matches scheduled this season. The team begins its season against Charlotte FC Unified on May 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will then travel to Texas to take on FC Dallas Unified on Sept. 2 at Toyota Stadium. Both matches are scheduled in conjunction with the MLS matches and will be held after the conclusion of each match.
Several members from Atlanta United's official supporters' groups welcomed the Unified players Wednesday night as they created a matchday atmosphere during their contract signing, which was alongside club President and CEO Garth Lagerwey and Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra.
Gallagher continues for its third season as the presenting sponsor of Atlanta United's Unified Team.
"We are honored to continue as the presenting sponsor of the Atlanta United Unified Team," said Christopher E. Mead, Gallagher Chief Marketing Officer. "Gallagher believes in promoting inclusion and supporting the abilities of one another. We are very excited for the new season and to watch these incredible athletes compete at their best."
The Atlanta United Unified Team trains weekly at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Guzan enters his sixth year as an ambassador, while this marks Andrew Gutman and Derrick Etienne's first seasons. The Unified Team is closely tied to Atlanta United's First and Second Team players, who regularly attend training sessions and matches.
Unified teams play 11 vs. 11 matches to align with SONA's vision to have Unified teams play soccer's true format. Atlanta's Unified team includes players from two counties in Georgia, comprised of players from Cobb County Special Olympics and North Fulton Unified in Fulton County. The team features nine athletes and nine partners ranging from 16 - 25 years old.
2023 Unified Team roster:
Athletes Position Hometown
Savion Brown Forward Roswell, GA
Alex Eberle Midfielder Alpharetta, GA
Alex Evans Forward Atlanta, GA
Xavier Hairston Forward Detroit, MI
Dee Harden Goalkeeper Gainesville, FL
Anthony Hernandez Midfielder Houston, TX
Kelly Robinson Defender Johns Creek, GA
Steven Russell Midfielder Buford, GA
Liam Stuart Midfielder Alpharetta, GA
Partners Position Hometown
Ben Barrett Defender Johns Creek, GA
Grace Chaplin Defender Alpharetta, GA
Ike Eiswirth Midfielder Johns Creek, GA
Dylan Lenze Midfielder Woodbridge,VA
Emma Sim Defender Smyrna, GA
Daniel Urshansky Defender Atlanta, GA
Joe Villar Defender Johns Creek, GA
Nick Villar Defender Johns Creek, GA
Maggie Williams Midfielder Roswell, GA
Coaches
Marty Jelleme Head coach
Molly von Eschenbach Assistant coach
Marco Patrie Assistant coach
Luis Luna Assistant coach
Greta Conboy Assistant coach
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