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WVU Medicine announced Thursday that it will partner for the next two years with the Wheeling Area Soccer Association as the association's premier sponsor.
In that partnership, WVU Medicine will be the premier sponsor for WASA's recreational league, youth academy and travel teams. It is intended to help bring awareness, funding, and resources to the organization and help provide more access to athletics for local youth. The partnership will also incorporate medical professionals from both WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial Hospitals and will focus on holistic care for youth athletes.
With a growing focus on sports medicine, orthopedics, and outpatient pediatric care, WVU Medicine believes this partnership falls right in line with its service goals for the Ohio Valley.
"We look forward to partnering with WASA," said Douglass Harrison, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial Hospitals. "Supporting our youth and encouraging an active lifestyle is critical to promoting good health for years to come. Our focus is to partner with our community to achieve these healthy lifestyle goals."
WASA was founded in 1987 by a group of local soccer enthusiasts with a desire to bring a quality soccer program to the kids of the Ohio Valley. WASA is a community-based soccer club for families throughout the tri-state area and offers kids an experience that focuses on enjoyment of the game and player development.
Currently, the association offers a youth academy program for both boys and girls ages 4 through 8, a recreational program for players 9 through 15, and a travel competitive program for players ages 9 through 18.
WASA Director Thomas Olivier called the partnership a great win for the players.
"We're thrilled to have joined forces with WVU Medicine," he said. "Since our own club values so closely align with those of WVU Medicine, it made sense to work directly with their professionals on mind and body connection, injury prevention, and healthy habits. WVU Medicine's impact on the tri-state area is substantial, so getting to work with them is very exciting."