2021 Unified Soccer UNITY Cup

COVID Procedures

All participants should self-screen prior to arriving at this event and should remain home if feeling unwell or displaying coronavirus symptoms.

All athletes, coaches and spectators are required to wear a mask while inside the Unity Cup facility regardless of vaccination status. All athletes and Unified Partners are required to wear a mask indoors while they are competing.

Unless fully vaccinated, participants who are medically able should continue to wear a mask at outdoor venus the majority of time while at Special Olympics Illinois activities.

Athletes and Unified Partners do not have to wear a mask while competing in outdoor competitions.

Vaccination is not required to attend in person events.

Special Olympics Illinois will not be providing masks.  Athletes and coaches must bring their own.

SOILL will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes/spray and other cleaning/sanitizing products on-site.

Please check with your Region staff on the status of spectators attending competitions.  With a few exceptions, only registered athletes, coaches and partners are allowed at these events.  It is very important you relay to all parents and guardians the importance of only allowing registered persons into the event.

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf

What is The Unified Soccer Unity Cup?

Unified Soccer is 1 of 11 state sports competitions.  It is the championship level competition for those participating in Unified Soccer.  Participation is limited to teams with players in the middle school through college age range.  Unified Soccer is a 1 day event usually held the first Saturday in November.  This year, the Unity Cup replaces the Unified Soccer Tournament due to Covid changing our ability to host regional competitions. The Unity Cup competition is a selection of Unified Soccer Teams from across the state. A typical tournament includes approximately 85 athletes, 65 Unified partners, 30  coaches and 35  volunteers.  Unified soccer became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 2014.

Competition Information

In the Supporting Documents section is the 2021 UNITY Cup Game Grid and Divisions for the Tournament at Homewood Flossmoor High School.  This year’s tournament is a stand-alone tournament and does not qualify for any type of state competition. 

The weather looks great for Sunday – should rain enter the forecast, as long as it is not thundering or lightning the games will continue.  A decision will be made by 6pm if the weather becomes too inclement. 

Facility Information

The Tournament is held at Homewood Flossmoor High School, 999 Kedzie Ave. Flossmoor.  If you enter the school off of Kedzie you will need to navigate to the other side of campus.  It may be helpful to enter off of Governors Highway around the other side of the school.   All games will take place inside the stadium and on the practice football field.  All fields are turf.  Cleats or athletic shoes are permitted. 

Health and Safety Considerations:

Keeping the safety of our athletes, coaches, volunteers, spectators and staff is our number one priority,  Special Olympics Illinois will not be recognizing spectators for this event; however, Homewood Flossmoor High School is a public facility.  Only registered athletes, partners and coaches will be allowed in the competition venue, awards and any sanctioned areas.  Large coolers that would typically be available to fill water bottles will not be available during this tournament.  Upon registration – each team will be provided with a case of water to utilize if needed during games.  Please do not allow anyone to reuse bottles and ensure that bottles are disposed of after use.  Hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies will be available at each of the score tables. 

Event Details

Below is the schedule for the day:

7:30 AM:  Team Registration

8:00 AM:  1^st Game Start

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Grab and Go Lunch Available

12:30pm: Start of Last Game

Please make sure that you allow ample time to register, warm up and make your scheduled game time.  There will be no warm up on your assigned field.  Warm up for all games will take place around fields and on the track.  Once teams take the field, games will start immediately to ensure we stay on schedule.  Teams not ready to play at the end of 10 minutes from their scheduled game time will forfeit that game.  We will start games early if both teams are ready to play. 

Equipment

Athletes, Coaches and Unified Partners are required to bring their own PPE.

Opening Ceremony

There will not be an Opening Ceremony due to Covid restrictions.

Awards

Awards will be presented as division positions are decided.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to all registered athletes, Unified Partners, Coaches and volunteers. Lunch will consist of a Sandwich, Chips and water.  A vegetarian option will be provided, however if you any additional dietary restrictions, you are responsible for providing your own lunch.   Please note that lunch will be grab and go – no indoor or outdoor venue will be provided for lunch.  

Supporting Documents

Unity Cup Game Grid 2021

To see a complete list of all State Championship Competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, who support Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.