Our Mission

Founded in 2020 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Shoals United Stars, Incorporated (SUS) began with a simple but powerful mission: to provide inclusive sports, social opportunities, and workplace experiences for students and young adults with special needs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we’re dedicated to building a vibrant, supportive community where every individual, regardless of ability, is empowered to shine.

Shoals United Stars started with the belief that everyone deserves the chance to belong, grow, and thrive in a safe and encouraging environment. We’re now proud to have nearly 50 young people on our roster, representing schools across the Shoals area. Through adaptive sports seasons—basketball, flag football, and softball—our Stars experience the thrill of competition, the joy of teamwork, and the pride of personal accomplishment. But impact doesn’t stop on the field! We also offer social activities and job skills training, creating even more opportunities for connection and confidence-building.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and local community partners. Together, we are transforming lives, one game, one activity, and one skill at a time. At Shoals United Stars, every step is a step toward a brighter, more inclusive Shoals community, where every Star has the chance to shine!

Join us on this journey—whether as a volunteer, donor, or community advocate. Together, we are making a difference for every Star in the Shoals.

What we do

  • Shoals United STARS

    Our adaptive sports program includes seasons in basketball, flag football, and softball, where our Stars get the full experience of being part of a team. We believe that our players deserve the same memorable moments their peers enjoy. This commitment has led us to create some truly incredible experiences—our Stars have played alongside the University of Alabama softball team, formed the high-five tunnel on the field of the Trash Pandas baseball team, ridden in parades, and celebrated end-of-season victories with their families.

    Shoals United Stars is dedicated to giving these athletes the joy, camaraderie, and excitement that only sports can bring. Through every game, parade, and team celebration, we’re ensuring that each Star feels the pride of achievement and the power of belonging to a team.

    Adaptive T-Ball

  • STARS Social Clubs

    We’re excited to introduce Social Clubs, a new extension of Shoals United Stars designed specifically for middle and high school participants. Social Clubs provide teens with special needs an opportunity to enjoy social outings in a fun, supportive environment where they can build friendships and develop social skills that will benefit them as they grow into adulthood.

    We’ve structured Social Clubs into four small groups of 6-7 teens, as we believe that a close-knit setting helps foster meaningful connections. Each Social Club group participates in 1-2 outings per month, offering our teens experiences they’ll love—from a waterslide night at Shoals Next Level to bowling, game nights, Skyzone, and movie outings. These outings are all about fun, friendship, and learning together, making Social Clubs an essential part of our mission to support every aspect of our Stars’ lives.

    UNA Run-Out

  • Stars' NEXT STEPS

    At Shoals United Stars, we’re committed to preparing our Stars for the workforce through job shadowing and volunteer experiences tailored to their interests and abilities. Partnering with local businesses, we create hands-on opportunities that allow our Stars to explore different roles and develop essential skills in a supportive environment.

    These experiences are designed to build our Stars’ confidence and help them shape their own futures by finding self-reliance in a safe, inclusive workplace. With the support of peers, guidance from mentors, many of our Stars are confident, independent, and more than ready to engage with the public and contribute meaningfully as an employee. Shoals United Stars is proud to support them on this journey, opening doors to a brighter, independent, and successful future.

    Future Olympians