This year, Clarkston High School took a big step toward inclusion and teamwork with the launch of its first-ever Unified Soccer Team. Made up of students from grades 9 through 12, the team features boys and girls from both General Education and Special Education classes. Their goal? To promote sportsmanship, friendship, and acceptance through soccer.
What makes the Clarkston Unified Soccer Team truly special is its diversity. Students of different abilities and backgrounds come together to play, learn, and grow. According to freshman team member Alex Page, the team has been a positive experience for everyone involved. “This team has impacted me with how inclusive it is and how much it’s able to help kids that cannot play normal sports,” Page said. “I would hope readers would notice the fact that they should be inclusive no matter what.”
Participating in Unified Sports isn’t just about winning games, it’s about learning important life skills. Page shared that although working with new teammates was initially challenging, everyone quickly bonded. “It’s definitely different working with kids you don’t know well,” Page explained. “As the season went on, we all got to know each other pretty well.”
This season marked the team’s debut, and they played a total of four games. They won three, with their final game being a home match against Lake Orion, which they won 8-3. Although the season has come to an end, the players and coaches are proud of what they accomplished and look forward to future seasons.
For Page, the highlight of the season was the victory in their last game. “Winning our final game that we played was a wonderful feeling as it allowed us to feel successful leaving this season,” Page said.
The Clarkston Unified Soccer Team has made a big impact. It shows that sports can be more than just competition, they can be a way to bring people together, build confidence, and break down barriers. Page hopes others will see the importance of inclusion. “I hope readers will understand more about the team and how many kids this helps to make them feel accepted by the sports.”
The Clarkston Unified Soccer Team is proof that sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion and friendship. Through teamwork, determination, and a lot of heart, these students have shown that everyone deserves a place on the field and in the community.
Neil Granlund • Oct 15, 2025 at 10:04 am
I enjoyed being a part of this program. It was a pleasure introducing the players and calling the goal.. Keep up the good work.. It was a great day when you over came our cross town rivals.. You know, what’s their name? Go Wolves..
Mr.Mr.