Kicking off the 2026 season, it's only fitting that Atlanta United Unified put pen to paper.
The club's Special Olympics team made up of athletes and partners signed their contracts as they celebrated Unified Signing Day Monday, March 16. Families, friends and supporters alike gathered for a dinner, and guests took a look through the Atlanta United locker room, decked out with every players jersey and nameplates. It's part of a larger mission of the Unified experience, that the team looks, feels and operates just like the First Team.
The Delta Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium saw some special guest speakers to rally the squad ahead of another season. The event was hosted by none other than Kevin Egan and Brad Guzan, as the two kicked off the night speaking about what makes Unified such a unique program.
“They put so much hard work into getting ready for practice, getting ready for the games," Guzan said, "but more so that they do it with such a joy and such a smile on their face makes it fantastic to be a part of it.”
Soon after, former Olympic swimmer Allison Schmitt joined the stage. She and Guzan gave their perspectives on athletic excellence and the mentality you need to have to achieve it.
“Listen to your heart, no matter what, always listen to your heart," Schmitt said. "Those are the goals that you are going to need most, and that's how you're going to be the most successful. It doesn't matter the validation you get or what anyone else wants in your life. It’s what you truly want in your heart. And if you set those goals in your heart, you're going to be the most successful that you can be.”
Atlanta United Unified is looking to continue its three-year unbeaten run, and they've certainly got the heart to do it. The season will be full of hard work, of exciting travel, of competition, and above all, a love for the game of soccer.
“I love the joy [Unified displays]," Schmitt said. "The joy is what really brings us all together and reminds us that it’s not about the goal you score or the game that you win, but it’s how you feel at the end of the day. That feeling comes from the celebration with your teammates, the work that you put in with your teammates."
Returning players mixed with newcomers were all unveiled, and as the players signed their contracts, the supporters stood Rowdy and Proud. The group that came to attend the event created personalized chants for each athlete and partner set to the tune of the club's most famous chants.
Additional speakers included Gallagher's Atlanta Vice President Andrew Abrams, Atlanta United assistant coach Rodrigo Ríos, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson.
Ríos has been involved with the Unified program since his first stint with the club, and his commitment to supporting the team is just as strong today. He said the First Team players and coaches are amped up for the Unified season and will be there, as always, to support the players during their matches.
Unified will have plenty of outside backing from the First Team, their families and the supporters. But even more, Ríos loved to see that there was pure desire to be great amongst the squad.
“We want players with that commitment, with that drive, with that support to each other," Ríos said. "... The respect that you have, the drive to go, the excitement to know about the schedule, that's the players that we want, for professional [teams], for the [Academy], for anyone, that's who we want.”
Henderson was the last of the speakers, fitting that the club Sporting Director would directly precede the contract signings.
“You're going to be wearing Atlanta United crest, and that's about respect, that's about pride, inclusion, and it's about having fun and enjoying what you do," Henderson said. "We take pride in you guys being part of our family, and tonight, you will be officially Atlanta United players.”
Last but likely most anticipated, Atlanta United Unified's Schedule for the 2026 season was revealed. The team will play two home and two away matches, hosting LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire's Unified sides and traveling to play Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami.
About Unified:
Each Unified team is made up of a diverse group of both Special Olympics athletes, individuals with developmental disabilities, and partners, individuals without developmental disabilites. The squads are allowed to freely substitute, giving both rosters a chance to showcase their talent.
The Unified sides train, travel and compete in matches just as the first teams do. It's a truly inclusive space that brings together athletes from all over the Americas.
