HARRISON / WEST ORANGE, NJ (February 28, 2024) – As NJ/NY Gotham FC maintains an unparalleled commitment to elevated player resources and player care, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions today announced RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s most comprehensive academic health care system, as the club’s official health care provider.
 
This multi-faceted partnership aligns with RWJBarnabas Health and Gotham FC’s joint mission to build healthier communities. Therefore, RWJBarnabas Health 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. RWJBarnabas Health also becomes the presenting partner of the Gotham FC Availability Report.

Jason Krystofiak, MD, CAQSM, Chief, Section of Sports Medicine, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, will serve as the Gotham FC Chief Medical Officer and Peter DeLuca, MD, 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 J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes at RWJBarnabas Health. He currently serves as one of the Team Physicians for Rutgers Athletics including the 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 Dr. Krystofiak and Dr. 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,” said Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West. “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 to best support the fitness of the players, while keeping them on the field and performing at the highest level.
 
Through this partnership, RWJBarnabas Health and Gotham FC will develop a meaningful community outreach and education program to engage with our communities on the importance of proper nutrition, healthy habits and preventive measures, among other initiatives.
 
“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,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “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.”
 
Additional highlights of the partnership include 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. Further, the partnership will include 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,” said Gotham FC Senior Vice President of Partnerships Nan Vogel. “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."
 
The NWSL Champions from Gotham FC, led by Lynn Williams, Kelley O’Hara, Midge Purce, Jenna Nighswonger, Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett open the 2024 campaign against the San Diego Wave in the reimagined NWSL Challenge Cup on March 15 at Red Bull Arena. 
 
For more information on Gotham FC visit www.GothamFC.com.  For more information on RWJBarnabas Health, visit www.rwjbh.org.