Cheers echoed across the fields at Zions Bank Stadium as students from nine middle schools in Jordan School District — and Timberline Middle from Alpine District — took part in this fall’s unified soccer tournament. With 28 teams and more than 250 athletes and partners, the day was about much more than scoring goals.

Unified Sports, a program through Special Olympics Utah, brings together students with and without disabilities to compete side by side. Jordan District Director of Athletics and Activities Bryan Veazie said the tournament represents “a meaningful, enjoyable and memorable experience” that builds school culture and lifelong friendships.

Mountain Creek players celebrate a goal at the Jordan School District’s unified soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“This is my third year in this position,” Veazie said. “When Superintendent (Anthony) Godfrey and I initially talked about unified sports, he said he wanted every school to be actively involved. Now, every middle school that has a self-contained classroom is participating. It’s rewarding to see how much it’s grown.”

That growth was visible on the field and in the smiles of the students.

Elk Ridge Middle School coach Amanda Mair, who was overseeing two teams, also brought students who got the official role as cheerleaders for their games; they made and waved posters for the teams.

“We’re really excited we have peer tutors helping build relationships; I think this helps promote acceptance and helps to just foster friendships,” she said.

At Mountain Ridge Middle, students lined the hallways to cheer on its three teams as they boarded the bus for the tournament. 

“Since school started, they’ve been excited to play,” coach Karlee English said. “They love it and every peer tutor wants to come play with our athletes. We had to draw names for those to be on the field. Unified sports sparked our school to be more inclusive, and it has just spread throughout the school community.”

Students echoed that excitement. 

Fort Herriman eighth-grader Brayden Walker said his team shares the ball and passes it to him.

“I like kicking the ball and hitting goals,” he said.

South Hills eighth-grader Lucas Smallwood enjoys the inclusivity as well as the thrill of playing well.

 “I like passing the ball to everyone best so everyone can play; my teammates are nice and help me on the field,” he said. “When I score a goal, my heart is pumping and I feel adrenaline as fast as loud music.”

West Jordan eighth-grade student Nivek Cruz said the day was “great.”

Jordan School District middle schoolers play at the unified soccer tournament, held at Zions Bank Stadium. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“I like to kick the ball and playing soccer is good exercise for my body,” he said. “I scored three goals today. It felt good. The best part is having fun and cheering for my team.”

South Hills seventh-grader Connor Petersen is also a fan of unified soccer because “it’s fun to play with friends.”

Fort Herriman ninth-grader Rhett Mikkelsen is a fan of unified sports.

“It’s a cool opportunity to play and I’ve been able to play in a couple tournaments in soccer, basketball, bocce and golf with them,” he said. “We learn teamwork and cheer for each other.”

Godfrey called unified sports “one of the most important things we do to help all students have a connection to their school and their peers.” 

He said Jordan Board of Education has prioritized funding to ensure every student who wants to participate can do so by providing buses, venues and field trip support.

“The Board has dedicated funding to support this to be sure that it is sustainable and that it grows,” Godfrey said. “We are finding that the interest outstrips the opportunity and we’re looking for more and more ways to give all students a chance to be part of it.”

Jordan District’s unified program continues to expand. Every middle and high school with a support classroom now fields teams, and elementary schools participate in unified sports days. Two elementaries — Daybreak and Monte Vista — will be recognized this year as National Unified Champion Schools.

For Veazie, the true success isn’t measured by wins or ribbons. 

“You can’t come to a unified event and not feel joy,” he said. “It’s about inclusion, relationships and making sure every student feels they belong.”