Understanding the MLS Unified All-Star Game

The MLS Unified All-Star Game is part of a broader initiative to promote social inclusion through sport. MLS WORKS and Special Olympics collaborate to bring together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. These Unified teams play exhibition matches alongside MLS first-team games, showcasing their skills and advancing inclusivity.

For the past nine years, there has been a Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game held during MLS All-Star Week. The All-Star teams consist of one Special Olympics athlete and one Unified partner from each MLS club to represent in an East versus West match. This year one veteran and one rookie were selected to represent New England.  

Meet the New England All-Stars

Mars Burke and Amelia Jackson are two members of the New England Revolution Unified Team. Both have earned their place in the MLS Unified All-Star Match through hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of soccer. Mars is bringing some fresh legs as a first-year athlete on the roster while Amelia is bringing some experience with this being her second season as a unified partner on the team. As they prepare for the big game on Tuesday afternoon, they've agreed to share their training secrets and tips on what it takes to train like an All-Star.

Staying Motivated

Motivation comes naturally for both Mars and Amelia – it’s just who they are.  

“I just stay motivated” Mars said. Simple as that!

For Amelia it is her teammates that continue to push her to be her best. “I just think about how much I love the game of soccer and I don’t want to let my teammates down,” Amelia says. “So just doing the most I can to be the best I can for them.”

Beating the Heat

This summer has been one of the hottest summers on record in New England with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s every day. This has not stopped our all-stars from prepping for the big game.

Mars has struggled with heat in the past and has some insight on how to adjust. “I get heat exhausted pretty easily and at the practices I can get really hot and have to come off,” Mars said. So, I’ll take breaks every now and then and I will definitely stay hydrated.”  

Amelia added that being conscious of training times – going for runs earlier in the morning or later at night is a good way to still get your training in while avoiding the brutal heat.

Nutrition & Hydration

As an athlete, what you put into your body is SUPER important. Both all-stars shared some of their favorite foods & pregame snacks.

Mars loves protein packed meals like pork and steak, but also loves cucumber and red peppers. Amelia adds that protein and vegetables are key to fueling your body.  She also tries to put something with electrolytes into her body before a big game.

Both Mars and Amelia could not stress enough how important hydration is, especially in the warm weather.  

“It’s wicked hot out and I’m making sure everyone else is staying hydrated as well,” Mars said.

Road to Columbus

The All-Stars do not have an easy week leading into the All-Star match. The New England Revolution Unified Team has a match on Saturday evening against FC Dallas and then Mars and Amelia will have one day off before they hop on a plane to Columbus on Monday for the All-Star week.  

Mars says stretching is key to recovery leading into the All-Star week. Amelia adds that in addition to stretching, getting enough rest, eating healthy, icing and foam rolling will help with recovery.

Best Piece of Advice Received

Both Mars and Amelia have received some great advice in their soccer careers. They were willing to share some of that advice:

One of Mars’ coaches once said, “Keep going no matter how hard things get.”

Mars also said they highly suggest everyone else does the same because there’s no point in giving up because there’s always a bright side to things

Amelia said a coach once told her that “progress isn’t linear.”  

“One day you might have an off day and that doesn’t mean the rest of your life is going to be off days,” Amelia added. “It just happens. You’re going to be tired. You’re not going to be in the right headspace and it’s ok because the next practice you’ll just get back to it.”  

Game Day

As the All-Star Game Day arrives, Mars and Amelia are ready to showcase their skills on the big stage. The match will be streamed online on Tuesday, July 23^rd at 3:30 PM ET at https://www.youtube.com/@mls. By following tips and tricks from Mars and Amelia, you too can train like an All-Star.

Inclusive health content is sponsored by Tufts Health Plan, the Official Health Insurance Partner of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Tufts Health Plan and Special Olympics Massachusetts are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through resources that support individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. To learn more about Tufts Health One Care, a health plan for those with disabilities who have Medicare and Medicaid, visit TuftsHealthPlan.com/SOMA

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