Georgia State Soccer Association Partners with Northside Hospital to Champion Player Health and Wellness
ATLANTA (May 27, 2025) – The Georgia State Soccer Association (Georgia Soccer) is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Northside Hospital, one of the Southeast’s leading health care systems, to elevate player health, safety and overall wellness across the state. This collaboration reflects Georgia Soccer’s growing commitment to supporting athletes and families both on and off the field through trusted medical expertise and community-driven care.
Through this partnership, Georgia Soccer will work closely with Northside Hospital to provide education, resources, and services focused on injury prevention, recovery and long-term player health — from youth leagues to adult programs. Northside Hospital’s legacy of clinical excellence and community outreach aligns seamlessly with Georgia Soccer’s mission to develop the game at every level.
As part of this collaboration, Northside Hospital will also serve as an official partner of Georgia Soccer’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), supporting the next generation of elite players with specialized medical guidance and wellness support.
“Our goal has always been to create a safe, supportive environment for every player, coach, and family involved with Georgia Soccer,” said Ed Shaddix, Director of Development, Service and Outreach at Northside Hospital. “By partnering with Georgia Soccer, we can expand our impact and promote healthier outcomes through prevention, education and access to high-quality care.”
The partnership will also include joint initiatives such as health awareness campaigns, access to athletic trainers for major tournaments, and resources tailored to the unique physical demands of soccer. By teaming up with a health care leader like Northside Hospital, Georgia Soccer is investing in the long-term vitality of the sport and its participants.
“We are excited to have Northside Hospital as an official partner with Georgia Soccer as a resource for our players and parents with respect to not only treating injuries that may occur on the pitch but also as a tool to educate them on ways to minimize that risk of injury. Northside Hospital will be an invaluable partner that greatly benefits our membership,” said Jim Walker, executive director of the Georgia State Soccer Association.
About Northside Hospital
The Northside Hospital health care system is one of Georgia’s leading health care providers with five acute-care hospitals in Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Lawrenceville and more than 300 outpatient locations across the state. Northside Hospital leads the U.S. in newborn deliveries and is among the state’s top providers of cancer care, sports medicine, cardiovascular and surgical services. For more information, visit northside.com.
About Georgia Soccer Association
Georgia Soccer is the authorized state youth and adult association for Georgia within the United States Adult Soccer Association, United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), and through them is part of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Also, Georgia Soccer serves as the official National State Association of USYSA. Please visit Georgia State Soccer Association for more information: www.georgiasoccer.org