MLS Players Association Announces Dr. Sidney Hinds as Medical Director

Miami, FL - The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) today announced that Dr. Sidney Hinds, II (Col. Ret.) has been named as the organization’s first Medical Director. The announcement was made at the MLSPA’s annual Player Representative meeting featuring player leaders from across Major League Soccer (MLS).

Dr. Hinds, a neurologist and nuclear medicine physician and retired United States Army Colonel, brings with him more than thirty years of military medical experience. Dr. Hinds most recently served as the Vice President for Brain Health Strategy and Research for the Wounded Warrior Project. His previous positions include Brain Health Research Coordinator for the Department of Defense and National Director of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center in addition to other military medicine leadership roles. Hinds was also recently named as the NFL Players Association’s Chief Health Equity Officer and Deputy Medical Director.

“I’m honored and humbled to be named the first MLSPA Medical Director,” said Dr. Hinds. “I look forward to working with the players and former players to address injury prevention and protection, health, safety, and post-MLS career issues."

As Medical Director, Dr. Hinds’ primary focus will be to advocate for player health and safety. He will monitor the care provided to MLS players by their teams’ medical staff, ensure league health and safety protocols are aligned with relevant data and research, and make recommendations on updates to medical guidelines, rules, and practices. Dr. Hinds will also serve as an MLSPA representative on all relevant health and safety committees.

“We are thrilled to add Dr. Hinds to our organization as a key step in ensuring that the MLSPA continues to be best equipped to protect our players,” said Executive Director Bob Foose. “We are confident that his extensive experience will greatly benefit our membership and advance the MLSPA’s mission of prioritizing player health and safety.”