Phoebe Putney and SOWEGANS Soccer Club announce partnership

LEESBURG — The Sowegans Soccer Club unveiled new uniforms and announced a partnership with Phoebe Putney Health System on Tuesday as the team prepares to kick off its third season in a new league.
The event, held at the Lee County Soccer facility on Leslie Highway, marked a new chapter for the Sowegans as they embark on a 50-game schedule that begins Saturday night at the same venue.

The gathering featured the club’s new jerseys prominently displaying the Phoebe logo, symbolizing a shared commitment to community health, youth development, and regional pride. Phoebe Putney Health System president Deb Angerami and Dr. Jordan Knoefler were on hand to celebrate the collaboration.

“This club is not just about on-the-field soccer,” said Sowegans SC President Josh Duckworth. “We’re trying to be connected to the community, to be an organization that does some good in the community. We were fortunate to build this partnership with Phoebe, and we’re looking forward to what we can do together.”

The partnership places Phoebe’s name front and center on the Sowegans SC jersey, representing more than just sponsorship. Phoebe will also serve as the exclusive sponsor of two upcoming youth soccer camps, reinforcing their investment beyond the pitch and into the next generation of players in Southwest Georgia.

“At Phoebe, we’re really big believers in investing in our community,” Angerami said. “Our first priority is caring for patients when they need healthcare, but we also believe in holistically treating our patients and community. Sports and connectivity are a huge part of that, so it’s an honor to be connected to Sowegans SC.”

The Sowegans are coming off a successful season, having won the Gulf Coast Premier League Eastern Conference Championship. In 2025, they’ll join the League for Clubs—a national organization with more than 50 teams from coast to coast, focused on growth, opportunity, and community engagement.

Duckworth expressed his excitement for the future while reflecting on the club’s recent success.
“We won the Eastern Conference of the Premier League last year, and now we are building on that,” he said. “We want to be the soccer club for all of Southwest Georgia, and we have players from all over the area and beyond.”

Sowegans head coach Ricky Zombrano acknowledged that building a “soccer family” in southwest Georgia hasn’t been easy, given the region’s passion for the other kind of football. However, he expressed pride in the strong support that’s developed around the team.

“Our fans have really become a part of our soccer family,” Zombrano said. “We’ve seen it grow and grow, and last year it exploded. It’s great to have all the help and support for our guys.”

The Sowegans’ journey to becoming a regional soccer force has not been without challenges, but with a new league, a fresh look, and a major community partner, they are poised for another impactful season.

The season opener against Pensacola SC is set for 7:15 Saturday night at the Lee County soccer facility on Leslie Highway in Leesburg.

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