The San Jose Earthquakes and Sutter Health announced a multi-year partnership agreement Tuesday that will prominently feature the Northern California healthcare network's name on the front of the Earthquakes jerseys, starting this season.
The partnership also features a number of community components, including a joint commitment to considerably expand the MLS club's Get Earthquakes Fit program, which promotes health and wellbeing throughout schools in Northern California.
"I am thrilled to welcome Sutter Health as our exclusive healthcare and official jersey partner," said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval, in a team statement. "Our organizations share a commitment and dedication to the community that makes this partnership a great fit. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership that not only benefits our organizations but also the greater Northern California community. Additionally, the Sutter Health logo looks fantastic on our jerseys!"
The Sutter Health logo will debut on the Earthquakes jerseys at a season-ticket holder event on January 27, when the Quakes' first team take on the Under-18 academy side at Avaya Stadium. The Sutter Health logo will adorn all first-team and academy gear, including training tops and team travel apparel.
Through the partnership, Sutter Health will become the presenting sponsor of the Quakes youth academy and the youth check-in area at Quakes matches.
"When people watch this awesome soccer team playing and see the Sutter Health name on their jerseys, we hope it inspires them to think about building healthy bodies and minds; that's the real victory," said Arra Yerganian, Sutter Health chief marketing and branding officer. "It's a privilege for us to take care of the Earthquakes players, who make their personal health a top priority. These players are great role models and we are thrilled to be on the sidelines and in the stands as their partners in health."
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The partnership provides a platform for Sutter Health and the Quakes world-class athletes to reach hundreds of thousands of Northern California families with information and education about how to stay fit and healthy. The two organizations will also work together to bring Quakes players to Sutter Health hospitals and clinics to visit with and inspires local patients.
The agreement will also see the expansion of the Get Earthquakes Fit program, an ongoing commitment to reducing childhood obesity, which affects nearly 13 million American kids. Get EQ Fit is a health and fitness program targeted at elementary school children that is linked to the California state education standards. The program was created in 2009 in collaboration with local teachers and the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
