RWJBarnabas Health on Thursday announced it has been named the official health care provider of NJ/NY Gotham FC — the National Women’s Soccer League champions.
The partnership aligns with the health system’s and Gotham FC’s joint mission to build healthier communities.
“RWJBarnabas Health is delighted to become the official health care provider of NJ/NY Gotham FC, aligning our outstanding sports medicine practice with the best women’s soccer players in the world,” Mark Manigan, CEO and president, RWJBarnabas Health, said. “As women’s professional sports continues to grow, this partnership will further support our women’s health initiatives, and our joint mission of building healthier communities.”
As part of the partnership, RWJBarnabas will deliver best-in-class sports medicine and overall health care services to Gotham FC, while offering a turnkey customizable solution and “one-stop-shop,” harnessing all the resources and centers of excellence throughout the system.
Through this partnership, RWJBarnabas Health and Gotham FC will develop a meaningful community outreach and education program to engage with communities on the importance of proper nutrition, healthy habits and preventive measures, among other initiatives.
RWJBarnabas Health also becomes the presenting partner of the Gotham FC Availability Report.
Dr. Jason Krystofiak, chief, Section of Sports Medicine, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, will serve as the Gotham FC chief medical officer and Dr. Peter DeLuca, chief of orthopedic sports medicine, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, will serve as the Gotham FC head team orthopedic.
Krystofiak is also the medical director of sports medicine and medical director of the Matthew Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes at RWJBarnabas Health. He currently serves as one of the team physicians for Rutgers Athletics, including as team physician for Rutgers Football. DeLuca is the former head team physician for the Philadelphia Eagles, head team orthopedic for the Philadelphia Flyers, and currently serves as a team physician for the New Jersey Devils. Both Krystofiak and DeLuca are part of a network of providers with RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group.
“Gotham FC is proud to welcome RWJBarnabas Health as the club’s official health care provider,” Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch said. “The partnership will provide exceptional care to our world-class roster of players, with services administered by renowned sports medical professionals, who will help keep players performing at their peak levels.”
As part of the partnership, RWJBarnabas Health is also responsible for:
- The treatment of the club’s players, including but not limited to performing physicals and examinations;
- Working with athletic trainers and players to communicate diagnosis, condition, rehabilitation plans and preventative strategies;
- Hospital visits, player appearances and community-based programs and special events integrating dynamic patient experiences;
- On-site fan-engagement activations at Red Bull Arena;
- Health and wellness education and health screenings, among other initiatives;
- Integration within youth camps and family-focused programming in the region.
“With medical care at the forefront, we look forward to integrating our partnership far beyond the playing field,” Gotham FC Senior Vice President of Partnerships Nan Vogel said. “Through the development of new programming, together we will celebrate building healthy lifestyles, deliver great patient experiences and, collectively, our impact will reach far into the communities we serve.”
