South Georgia Tormenta FC has named Optim Healthcare as its primary jersey sponsor for its third Premier Development League season in 2018 and professional debut in USL Division III next year.

"We are proud to have Optim, a pillar of the South Georgia community, as our flagship jersey sponsor," Tormenta FC President Darin Van Tassell said. "Optim and our area represent what makes our part of the United States special, such as commitment to community, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Optim’s reputation as an innovative, professional brand is one we aspire to build at Tormenta FC as well. Our continued partnership with such a well-respected company as Optim is another affirmation of the significance Tormenta FC has in this community."

Tormenta FC was unveiled as the first founding member of the new third-division professional league in January. The team is set to kick off its third Premier Development League campaign this summer, as well as participate in the prestigious Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in team history. The founding member will face off against the Myrtle Beach Mutiny in the First Round of the tournament at 7:10 p.m. ET from North Myrtle Beach Sports Park in Little River, South Carolina, on May 9. Tormenta FC’s first game of the 2018 PDL regular season is against Peachtree City MOBA at 7:30 p.m. ET on May 12, while the team’s first home match falls on May 19, when it hosts Tri-Cities Otters at 8 p.m. ET from Erk Russell Park.

Optim Healthcare has strong ties to the area, as it is a collaboration of Optim Orthopedics, the physician-owned Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, Optim Medical Center-Screven and Optim Medical Center-Jenkins. Optim Pain Management, Optim Neurosurgery, Optim Primary CareTattnall and Optim Sports Medicine are departments of the physician-owned Optim Medical Center-Tattnall. Optim Healthcare also holds a strong soccer portfolio, which includes previous partnership with Tormenta FC as well as with the Ibis Soccer Training Program, which currently promotes middle school and high school soccer training in Tattnall, Evans, Screven, and Bulloch counties.

“Soccer is truly the world’s game with a very loyal following – unifying communities and erasing borders,” said Elizabeth Lee, Manager of Operations and Marketing for Optim Healthcare. “It’s exciting to share our support and pride with our community, our clients in Georgia, and those around the world who are passionate fans of the game. Like Tormenta FC, Optim Healthcare is a close-knit team continually striving to be the best – and we are proud to call Georgia home.”