Allina Health and Minnesota United FC announced a partnership today that makes Allina Health the team's official orthopedic partner as well as a founding partner of the organization, coinciding with the team’s transition into Major League Soccer in 2017. As orthopedic partner, Allina Health's team of orthopedic and sports medicine specialists will provide orthopedic care and serve as team physicians for the club.
"We look forward to joining with Minnesota United for their debut season with Major League Soccer. This partnership expands on the success Allina Health enjoyed as season presenting partner during the 2016 Minnesota United season," said Christine Bent, executive vice president, Allina Health Group. "Soccer appeals to people of diverse backgrounds and all ages; that’s one reason it’s a good fit for us and our commitment to developing strong connections to the communities we serve, enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin."
Allina Health's Dr. Aimee Klapach, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Robby Bershow, sports medicine physician, will lead the team of specialists providing orthopedic care for Minnesota United. Both have backgrounds as team physicians for sports teams. They are supported by a top team of highly qualified surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, physician assistants and other medical providers.
“Maximizing player health and longevity is of the utmost importance in sports today, so selecting the right orthopedic partner is one of the most important decisions we will make as a club,” said Nick Rogers, president, Minnesota United. “We’re thrilled to be working with Allina Health and know their support will have a beneficial and direct impact on our players and on their performance on the pitch.”
In 2017 Allina Health will have a continued presence at many Minnesota United home matches, held at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. Similar to their integration during the 2016 season, Allina Health’s employee volunteers will promote the benefits of an active lifestyle and social interactions by providing unique and family-friendly match-day experiences for soccer fans.
Sean Kupiec also joined Minnesota United as the club’s head athletic trainer. It is Kupiec’s eighth season as a head athletic trainer in Major League Soccer. Prior to arriving in Minnesota, Kupiec worked with the New England Revolution and Chivas USA.
Tickets are still available for Minnesota United’s home opener on March 12 at TCF Bank Stadium against fellow expansion side Atlanta United. Be there for the beginning as MNUFC embarks on its inaugural MLS season. Fans who want to catch every home match can join the Itasca Society. Over 11,000 season tickets have already been sold, rapidly approaching the inaugural season limit of 11,842 members in this exclusive club — one for every lake in Minnesota. A portion of all proceeds from these season tickets are donated to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Loon Monitoring program. Both season tickets and tickets for the home opener are available now at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.
