Edgewood, KY – A new round of soccer excitement is heating up in the community as St. Elizabeth Healthcare Sports Medicine has become the exclusive medical provider for the Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC. “We’re excited for the opportunity to serve the Cincinnati Dutch Lions,” said Bruno Giacomuzzi, St. Elizabeth Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Florence, Grant and Professional Services. “Over the years, St. Elizabeth has become the premier athletic training service provider in Northern Kentucky. We’re right here for players at all levels and our new partnership with the Cincinnati Dutch Lions further cements that reputation.”

The Cincinnati Dutch Lions – an amateur soccer team in the United Soccer League (USL) League Two – play their home games at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. The team serves as a gateway to professional soccer for many aspiring young players.

“Our partnership with St. Elizabeth makes good sense,” said Brandon Ponchak, General Manager and Assistant Coach with the Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC. “We’re a hub for young athletes who are working hard to reach the next level. And St. Elizabeth – which is well-known in Northern Kentucky for excellent sports medicine – will support our players as they work to achieve their goals.”

As a partner with the Cincinnati Dutch Lions, St. Elizabeth Healthcare will provide:

• An athletic trainer at all training sessions and home games with the potential for the athletic trainer to travel with the team to road games.
• Injury prevention education.
• On-site injury assessment.
• Convenient, direct access to expert physicians and diagnostic imaging.• Professional rehabilitation services.

“Our dedicated athletic trainers will assess injuries and help the Cincinnati Dutch Lions soccer players return to the field as quickly and safely as possible,” said Scott Helton, Director of St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Services.

With more than 40 athletic trainers on staff, the St. Elizabeth Orthopaedic Institute, a partnership between OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, St. Elizabeth Physicians and St. Elizabeth Healthcare provide athletic training services, a team physician and streamlines orthopaedic care for Northern Kentucky University, Thomas More University, 23 area high schools, 10 middle schools and several club sports. To learn more about the St. Elizabeth Orthopaedic Institute’s athletic partnerships, visit stelizabeth.com/athleticpartnerships.

These relationships that we develop through athletic training and our sports medicine network have proven to be invaluable as we promote health and wellness in the community,” said Helton. “Our new partnership with the Cincinnati Dutch Lions offers unique opportunities to engage with fans at a new level during soccer matches.”

“Working together, we’ll spread awareness about the importance of physical activity, said Ponchak. “Our goal is to win our division and compete for the national championship, while offering a great family atmosphere at an affordable price.”

The Cincinnati Dutch Lions kick off their season on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at Northern Kentucky University as they take on the West Virginia Alliance FC.

For schedule and ticket information, visit cdlfc.com.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare Sports Medicine is right here to serve the community’s athletic training and sports medicine needs – with convenient locations in Erlanger, Florence and Wilder. For information, please visit stelizabeth.com/sports or call (859) 301-5600.