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Abbott Launches Health-Focused Soccer Program with Real Madrid
The program will send 11 young soccer players to learn from professional soccer coaches in Madrid.
Courtesy of Abbott
Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to stay healthy. It’s important for people to have an understanding of both their physical and nutritional health, as both play an important role in overall health. Unfortunately, many Americans lack the necessary knowledge in these areas and, as a result, suffer from poor health.
While sports are a great way to promote active lifestyles, even many young athletes lack the proper knowledge to take care of themselves.
With this is mind, Abbott announced a new program that combines one of the most popular sports in the world with education about both physical and nutritional health.1 The healthcare company is teaming up with Real Madrid to launch the Abbott Dream Team. To help promote the program, Abbott enlisted American soccer star Clint Dempsey to be the face of the team.
In a press release, Dempsey said, “I benefited from world-class nutritional programming throughout my soccer career, and I know how crucial a strong health foundation is for reaching your full potential. That's why I believe Abbott's Dream Team program has the power to change the lives of young athletes by giving them the tools to thrive and uplift their communities."
This summer, Abbott and Real Madrid will hold tryouts in five major American cities: Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The first of these events is scheduled for June 17, 2025, at the ULETE Soccer Center in Dallas, Texas, and will continue with stops in the other cities scheduled to the end of July. Soccer players between the ages of 18-19 are allowed to sign up, and up to 250 participants will be selected for each event.
Out of those selected, a total of 11 players will then be chosen to travel to Madrid, Spain, where they will train with the city’s legendary soccer coaches. Once the program is completed, the team will return to the United States and hold training sessions with youth soccer organizations across the country.
Abbott will be present at each of these events, where experts will provide all of the participants with education about physical health and nutrition. Every participant is then encouraged to return to their communities and promote healthy habits based on this educational material.
Ann Smith, co-lead of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, said in a press release, “Our work with Real Madrid is rooted in empowering future generations through nutrition and sport. Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of a full and healthy life, and we are thrilled to help exceptional young people fulfill their dreams while providing them with the tools to help their communities thrive."
This is Abbott’s latest collaboration with a sports organization.
Earlier in May, the company announced that it’s portable i-STAT Alinity testing units would be by HCPs at medical facilities for all MotoAmerica races in 2025.2 These testing devices can be used to detect brain injuries, such as concussions.
In a press release, MotoAmerica chief operating officer Chuck Aksland said, “The standard of competition and performance in MotoAmerica continues to increase. Between the riders, the motorcycles, their gear, and now accessibility to the most innovative medical equipment, we continue to push our standards and practices to better protect our racers. Our use of Abbott's rapid blood test for concussion assessment furthers this commitment and will help us evaluate medical needs quickly and on location."
Sources
- Abbott and Real Madrid Kick Off Search to Empower Young Soccer Talent. Abbott. May 7, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbott-and-real-madrid-kick-off-search-to-empower-young-soccer-talent-302448407.html
- MotoAmerica Becomes First Sports Organization to Use Abbott's Rapid Blood Test for Concussion Evaluation On-site at Races. Abbott. May 1, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/motoamerica-becomes-first-sports-organization-to-use-abbotts-rapid-blood-test-for-concussion-evaluation-on-site-at-races-302444065.html
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