Bayer Healthcare, the makers of Coppertone, is beginning a multi-year partnership with the U.S. Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, in an effort to encourage the use of sun protection.

Christen Press, star forward for the U.S. Women’s National Team, will be joined by fellow soccer stars Graham Zusi, Kelley O’Hara, and Matt Besler as brand ambassadors for Coppertone.

“I’m so excited to be a Coppertone brand ambassador because as an athlete, taking care of my body is a huge part of my job and sunscreen is a vital part of that,” said Press. “Whether I’m running up and down the field or running errands, I make it a point to ensure that my skin is protected. Everyone, especially athletes and fans everywhere, need to make sunscreen and sun protection a priority.”

The Coppertone brand wants to remind families that using sunscreen is a critical step to protecting their skin. Athletes especially receive more UV exposure than the general public, spending long hours practicing outdoors often during peak sun hours. As soccer is one of the most-played sports by children ages 4 to 19 in the United States, and studies have shown that outdoor sports increase the risk of sun damage during childhood, supporting the use of sunscreen for soccer players and their fan base will help encourage sun smart habits that can last a lifetime.

“Sunscreen needs to be a part of everyone’s daily routine, especially athletes who are continually outside,” said Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center and consultant to Bayer HealthCare, the makers of  Coppertone® products. “It’s an important tool for helping to prevent sunburn, and when used as directed on the labeling with other sun protection measures, it can help reduce the risk of premature skin aging and even skin cancer. People should apply it every morning as a part of their daily routine.”