Soccer
Whether it is known as football or soccer, the one thing everyone can agree on is that this sport is a very popular one, thanks in large part to its ease of access! Introduced to the Special Olympics lineup of sports in 1986, football (more commonly referred to as soccer in the United States) quickly rose to prominence as one of the top 5 sports across all 7 Special Olympics regions worldwide. More than 140,000 athletes and Unified partners train and compete in soccer. At the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, we anticipate to host 5v5 and 7v7 competitions.
How It’s Played:
Soccer is a globally beloved sport with a rich history and passionate following. Whether you’ve grown up with the game or are new to it, here are some fundamentals to understand: Soccer is a dynamic team sport played on a large rectangular field, typically outdoors, between two teams each fielding five or seven players. The objective is to score goals by kicking the ball into the opposing team’s net, which is guarded by a goalkeeper. Players use a combination of dribbling, passing, and shooting skills to move the ball across the field and create scoring opportunities. Unlike most sports, players cannot use their hands (except for the goalkeeper within their penalty area), adding an extra layer of challenge and finesse to the game. The team with the most goals at the end of the match, typically consisting of two halves, wins. Soccer demands athleticism, skill, teamwork, and adaptability, with players using various tactics to outplay their opponents.
On the soccer field, I learned teamwork, discipline, and the importance of pushing myself to achieve my goals. These skills translate perfectly to the world of the Special Olympics USA Games, where athletes with intellectual disabilities train and compete with that same dedication. Soccer, like Special Olympics, is more than just a game. It’s a community, a place where people of all abilities can find belonging, challenge themselves, and celebrate their accomplishments.
and coaches will be participating!
Unified 5v5, traditional 7v7, and Unified 7v7!
in every Special Olympics region!
Team Oklahoma’s goalkeeper goes for a kick during a match against Team Utah.
An athlete takes a shot on goal.
Paul W.Harvey IV
An athlete dribbles the ball down the field as an opponent defends.
Team Ohio celebrates after scoring a goal.
Marco Catini
An athlete from Team Washington dribbles the ball around a defender.
