In a tribute to nearly three decades of dedication to professional soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially recognized Dr. John Gallucci Jr., president & CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, for his 27 years of distinguished service as the league’s associate chief medical officer.
The honor was punctuated by the announcement of the John Gallucci Leadership Award, a newly established scholarship designed to bridge the gap between rising athletic training talent and the world’s leading sports medicine experts.
During the 2025 MLS Medical Symposium, the medical committee presented Gallucci with the namesake award to commemorate his unwavering commitment to the health and safety of over 800 professional players.
Gallucci has been a cornerstone of the league’s medical infrastructure since its early days. Reflecting on the symposium’s growth from a small group to an event with over 350 registrants, Gallucci shared his pride in the evolution of soccer medicine.
“I’m humbled, excited, and proud to see what the Major League Soccer community has put together every year,” Gallucci stated. “I’m proud to be a part of that and to be surrounded with unbelievable colleagues and mentors for the last 27 years.”
The John Gallucci Leadership Award is more than a trophy; it is a developmental pipeline. The scholarship will grant emerging leaders in athletic training direct access to MLS medical protocols and mentorship from top-tier specialists.
The symposium itself serves as a critical hub for:
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Injury management: Advanced “return-to-play” protocols.
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Emergency preparedness: Strategies for managing catastrophic events on the pitch.
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Complex musculoskeletal treatment: Innovative approaches to athlete recovery.
As Gallucci enters his 27th year with the league, his influence continues to expand. With JAG Physical Therapy now operating over 170 clinics across the Tri-State area, his expertise is particularly relevant as New Jersey prepares to serve as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.
