Sandy, Utah – A St. Patrick’s Day practice for nearly 100 young soccer players with the Utah Development Academy turned into an unforgettable surprise thanks to a gesture of generosity from Real Salt Lake (RSL) and the Utah Royals FC (URFC). The teams are donating 100 tickets to the highly anticipated RSL vs. Inter Miami CF match on April 22, 2026, and tickets to the Utah Royals FC’s home opener against San Diego that same month. The donation underscores a commitment to community engagement from the Larry H. Miller Company, owners of both clubs.
The unexpected announcement came during a practice session at the America First Field training grounds on March 17, 2026. RSL players Justen Glad and Griffin Dillon, along with URFC newcomers Madison Hammond and Aria Nagai, joined RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni and club president John Kimball to visit with the young athletes. Players interacted with the children, offering encouragement and demonstrating skills, creating a memorable experience for all involved. The gesture highlights the growing excitement surrounding the April 22nd match between Real Salt Lake and Inter Miami CF, a game already generating significant buzz with over 30,000 fans on a priority waitlist and more than 40,000 individual ticket requests, according to club officials.
A Surprise on the Pitch
The young players, ranging in age from 10 to 15, were gathered on the field when the RSL and URFC representatives revealed the surprise. The announcement was met with “surprise, applause and big smiles,” as described in a club statement. For many of these aspiring athletes, attending the RSL vs. Inter Miami CF game—featuring Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami squad for the first time ever in Utah—had seemed like a distant dream. Now, that dream is a reality.
Community Focus Drives Donation
Club President John Kimball emphasized the motivation behind the donation, attributing it to the vision of the Miller family and their dedication to the community. “Where this really originates is in the strategy of the Miller family, and their passion for the community, and how they want to give back to our fans,” Kimball said. “They want everyone to participate and secure involved, and their commitment to giving back is the inspiration.”
The donation aligns with the mission of MSE – the Larry H. Miller Company – to “enrich lives and strengthen communities by creating memorable and world-class sports and entertainment experiences.” The company’s approach emphasizes community building through sports, teamwork, and social responsibility, aiming to leave a positive impact on the areas they serve.
Players Express Enthusiasm for Community Impact
New URFC midfielder Madison Hammond expressed her excitement about the opportunity to establish the Utah Royals and RSL as cultural pillars in the city. “I feel we have a unique opportunity to make the Utah Royals and RSL a pillar of culture in this city,” Hammond said. “I’m really excited about that and excited to be a part of it.”
RSL midfielder Griffin Dillon, a homegrown player and lifelong fan of the club, shared his personal connection to giving back to the community. “To be in their shoes now, finally, inspiring the next generation to be the best versions of themselves, really excites me and makes me happy to be here,” Dillon said.
Recent Successes for RSL and Royals
Real Salt Lake is currently enjoying a successful run of form, with recent victories against Seattle Sounders and Austin FC, as well as a win on the road against Atlanta FC. The team will look to continue their winning streak in an upcoming away match against San Diego FC. The Utah Royals FC are preparing for their home debut on March 22, 2026, following a close contest against Kansas City FC. Fans can find ticket information and updates on the Royals’ season at the RSL website.
This donation represents more than just tickets to a game; it’s an investment in the future of soccer in Utah and a demonstration of the power of sport to inspire and unite communities. The young athletes of the Utah Development Academy will have the opportunity to witness world-class competition and, hopefully, be inspired to pursue their own dreams on the pitch. The next scheduled home game for Real Salt Lake is April 22nd against Inter Miami CF, and the Utah Royals FC will continue their inaugural season with upcoming matches at America First Field.
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