An official partnership has been made between RWJBarnabas Health and Sky Blue FC, making RWJBarnabas the “Official Partner” and the “Official Healthcare Provider” of the New Jersey-based National Women’s Soccer League franchise, the pair announced Thursday.
The partnership, RWJBarnabas said, aligns with its mission to deliver health care while promoting health and wellness initiatives and education, including community-based programs and special events.
RWJBarnabas and Sky Blue will develop community outreach programs on the importance of proper nutrition, maximizing sports performance and healthy habits.
“RWJBarnabas Health is delighted to become the official Healthcare Provider of Sky Blue FC, supporting the growth of women’s professional athletes, while aligning with our outstanding sports medicine practice,” Barry H. Ostrowsky, CEO and president, RWJBarnabas Health. “We are all about New Jersey, and a partnership with the state’s only women’s professional soccer franchise is a perfect fit for our culture and philosophy, especially as an organization with so many women leaders throughout our system.”
Jason Krystofiak, an RWJBarnabas sports medicine physician, will serve as medical director for Sky Blue FC. In this role, he has already worked with the team and supervise physicals for the Sky Blue FC players. He will be responsible for attending all home games and closely monitoring the health of the players on a daily basis throughout the season.
“On behalf of RWJBarnabas Health, I am extremely proud to serve as the medical director for Sky Blue FC in 2019,” Krystofiak said. “This team is made up of world-class athletes and we will strive to keep the players on the field, and performing at the highest level.”
Through the partnership, RWJBarnabas will receive front of jersey logo placement on all Sky Blue FC gameday and replica jerseys.
“It’s exciting to have RWJBarnabas Health become part of the Sky Blue FC family, serving as a valuable partner in monitoring the health and well-being of our players throughout the season,” Denise Reddy, head coach, Sky Blue FC, said. “The System has a strong presence across the state, and Dr. Jason Krystofiak’s expertise will be instrumental as we compete against world-class competition.”
Sky Blue’s season opener will be played on April 13 against the Washington Spirit at Maryland SoccerPlex. The home opener will be played on April 20 against the Houston Dash at Rutgers’ Yurcak Field.
