The LA Galaxy have announced that tryouts for their 2019 Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) Unified Team will take place on Sunday, March 10 on Field #7 at Dignity Health Sports Park beginning at 1 p.m. PT. This is the sixth season the LA Galaxy will host a Special Olympics Unified Team.
Register for SOSC Unified Tryouts
In collaboration with the SOSC Unified Soccer Team Exchange program, the LA Galaxy are seeking individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, between the ages of 16-25, for the opportunity to participate in various trainings, competitions and social experiences.
This coed Special Olympics team will consist of players chosen based on three key factors: (1) players ability to work well with others and value teammates of all abilities, (2) a high level of commitment to the Play United experience and to their fellow teammates, and finally (3) their understanding of the game and rules of soccer. The LA Galaxy SOSC team is scheduled to play two to three matches this season against other MLS-affiliated Special Olympics Unified Soccer teams from other states. These marquee matchups include hosting the Houston Dynamo Special Olympics Unified team as well as the unique opportunity to travel and play against New York Red Bulls Special Olympics Unified team.
After team selection, chosen players will be required to officially register as a Special Olympics athlete or a Special Olympics Unified Partner. All players are required to attend and participate in all team activities, including practices, games and social events on match weekends. Additionally, players must provide their own soccer equipment (soccer cleats and shin guards), as well as transportation to team activities.
Unified Sports brings people with and without disabilities together to form lifelong bonds by competing, learning and growing as equals. By promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, Unified Sports dismantles stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in an innovative way. Unified Sports was inspired by a simple principle: playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
