ATLANTA – The Emory Soccer Medicine Program is celebrating 10 years of providing exceptional, specialized care for soccer athletes across Georgia. The milestone comes as Oluseun Olufade, MD, the program’s director, is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament Medical Network.
Newsroom
Emory’s Soccer Medicine Program has grown into the largest of its kind in Georgia, with more soccer-trained providers across more locations than any other health system in the state.
Oluseun Olufade, MD, orthopaedic sports medicine physician at Emory Healthcare. “Having a global soccer stage right here in Atlanta means kids get to see their heroes up close, in their own backyard,” Olufade says. “That’s what sparks a lifelong love of the game.”
Olufade, who is also the head team physician for Atlanta United FC, says Emory’s program was created in 2016 to provide a coordinated, comprehensive approach to the care of soccer players of all levels.
“Soccer players have specific injuries, specific demands and a specific mindset,” Olufade says. “Understanding the sport, the player and the injury helps us provide care that is specific to what soccer athletes need.” Olufade is also an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Emory School of Medicine.
Olufade, who is also the head team physician for Atlanta United FC, says Emory’s program was created in 2016 to provide a coordinated, comprehensive approach to the care of soccer players of all levels.
“Soccer players have specific injuries, specific demands and a specific mindset,” Olufade says. “Understanding the sport, the player and the injury helps us provide care that is specific to what soccer athletes need.” Olufade is also an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at Emory School of Medicine.
In a match, players may run several miles while repeatedly accelerating, decelerating, cutting and changing direction. Those demands can lead to injuries that require a soccer-specific approach to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and return-to-play planning.
That’s one reason many of Emory’s providers in the program are former soccer players themselves. The Emory Soccer Medicine Program has grown into the largest of its kind in Georgia, with more soccer-trained providers across more locations than any other health system in the state.
That’s one reason many of Emory’s providers in the program are former soccer players themselves. The Emory Soccer Medicine Program has grown into the largest of its kind in Georgia, with more soccer-trained providers across more locations than any other health system in the state.
Emory sports medicine physical therapists work with soccer players at every level of the game. Photo credit: Jack Kearse / Emory University One of the program’s defining features is its multidisciplinary approach. Athletes may receive care from physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers with experience in the sport, along with specialists in nutrition, strength, conditioning and overall health.
The program serves soccer players across all levels, from youth and recreational athletes to collegiate and professional players. Common injuries treated include hamstring injuries, hip and thigh muscle injuries, knee injuries and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains.
In addition to treating injuries, the program emphasizes injury prevention and performance. The goal is to get players, parents and coaches thinking about prevention early, before an injury happens, not just after.
Emory providers implement FIFA 11+, a structured 20-minute warm-up program designed to help prevent injuries. Studies have found that when performed consistently, the warm-up routine can help reduce the risk of lower-extremity injuries in soccer players. Several Emory providers involved in the program have also completed the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, an additional training credential for clinicians who treat soccer players.
Emory Healthcare is the official team healthcare provider for Atlanta United. From left: Jason Bariteau, MD, Amadeus Mason, MD, Oluseun Olufade, MD, and Destin Hill, MD. Photo credit: Mitch Martin / Atlanta United The Emory Soccer Medicine Program has become increasingly important as soccer continues to grow in Atlanta, across Georgia and nationwide. Over the past decade, the program has expanded its reach and experts to several Emory locations, including:
Emory Sports Medicine – Dunwoody
Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center – Brookhaven
Emory Sports Medicine – Johns Creek
Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center – Smyrna
Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center – Flowery Branch
Emory Healthcare is the official team healthcare provider for Atlanta United and Georgia Tech Athletics, as well as the official healthcare provider of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center. This unique position across both professional and collegiate athletics underscores Emory's leadership in caring for athletes, while providing the community with exceptional, high-quality care across the healthcare system.
Learn more about the Emory Soccer Medicine Program.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Register to receive our newsletter, Emory Healthcare Pulse, and stay up-to-date on the latest news, events, information and more from Emory Healthcare. Subscribe Now
Related News
-
Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital has achieved its third Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for its continued dedication to nursing excellence. -
An Emory Healthcare neurosurgery team led by Daniel Refai, MD, professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine, has completed what is believed to be the world’s first continuously navigated endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain conditions affecting the lower spine. -
Emory Healthcare becomes a Founding Partner of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, bringing nationally recognized research, innovation, and sports medicine to the new home for soccer in America.
Recent News
-
Jul 10, 2026
-
Jul 2, 2026
-
Jun 29, 2026
-
Jun 23, 2026
Emory Soccer Medicine Program celebrates 10 years of caring for athletes
Date: Jul 10, 2026
Print
Share