By Jeanette Wade

Brooke Wade has been playing soccer on teams since she was 5 years old: Shirley Recreation, Ayer/Shirley League, Middle School, High School, and New England Revolution Striker’s League.

Last year and again this year, Brooke has made the New England Revolution’s Unified team, which has a long-standing partnership with Special Olympics of Massachusetts. The team brings together athletes with disabilities for soccer training and competition with non-disabled player partners to promote inclusion. They play in professional settings at Gillette Stadium and travel to play in matches.

Built in partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the Arbella Insurance Group, the Revolution Unified roster features athletes and Unified partners, selected through tryouts led by The New England Revolution Academy coaches and supported by New England Revolution first team players. The roster consists of between 16-19 members (athletes and partners) who compete against other Major League Soccer (MLS) Unified teams.

Brooke credits her experience last year with developing leadership skills both on and off the field and the climate of inclusion and community in a professional soccer setting has inspired her to try out and she was selected to join the team again.

Last Year Shirley recreation offered discounted passes to see a New England Revolution first team game that was followed by the Rev’s Unified team to witness even more incredible Revolution athletes take the pitch in the spirit of unity, inclusion, and community.

The team hosts an annual “Bowl for a Goal” fundraiser each summer at Gilette Stadium where you can meet New England Revolution first team players and the Unified team in a night of fun. The fundraiser has raised over $700K to benefit the Unified team and SOMA programs. Check the New England Revolution’s website for more details.