Alvin Halley: Heritage, Community, and the Game That Shaped a Life

Delaware City, DE - Alvin Halley steps onto the field with a legacy that started long before him. Passed down through family, culture, and community, the game has been a constant presence, shaping both his identity and his journey within the sport.   A Foundation Built at Home Alvin’s love for soccer began at home. His father, born in Liberia, introduced the game to Alvin and his brother at an early age. In their household, no other sport ever came close to what soccer meant to him. Training sessions with his father became a routine, and through those moments, Alvin developed not only skill but a deep emotional connection to the game that would stay with him for life.   From College Soccer to Delaware City Indoor That foundation carried Alvin into college soccer, where he competed for University of Delaware. After college, the game continued to connect him with new people and new environments, eventually leading him to Delaware City Indoor. Joining the club during its early stages alongside teammates and organizers committed to doing things the right way, Alvin found himself in a competitive, high-level environment. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding, with strong performances and a culture that pushes everyone involved to improve.   African Roots and Identity in the Game Growing up in the United States, Alvin often encountered surprise—or skepticism—about his commitment to soccer. That perception frequently shifted once people learned about his African heritage. His Liberian roots gave context to his passion, reinforcing how deeply connected soccer is to identity and culture across Africa and its diaspora. Alvin has embraced that connection even more in recent years, especially with the growing global visibility of African football. The increased media attention around AFCON has been meaningful, highlighting players who proudly represent their heritage and choose to compete for African nations, even when other options might promise easier success.   Community Beyond the Pitch Soccer has also been a way for Alvin to stay connected to his culture and community. Through strong Liberian communities in Delaware and Philadelphia, he continues to play in environments that reflect his roots, including teams made up largely of African and Liberian players. These spaces go beyond competition—they’re about belonging, shared experience, and pride.   Looking Ahead: Soccer’s Growth in the U.S. Alvin believes the future of soccer in the United States is bright, especially with the World Cup coming to American soil. He sees it as an opportunity for people to truly understand the passion, pride, and emotion that fans around the world bring to the game. With global stars, media exposure, and cultural touchpoints like video games all contributing, soccer continues to carve out a stronger place in the American sports landscape. Black History Month Spotlight Alvin Halley’s story reflects the powerful role of heritage in shaping the modern game. Rooted in Liberian culture, strengthened through community, and expressed through competition, his journey is a reminder that soccer is a language passed down through generations, carrying history, identity, and pride wherever it’s played.     About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootballl  

Chicago, IL - Shannon Seymour’s journey in soccer reflects a powerful blend of heritage, resilience, and commitment to community. Raised in the south suburbs of Chicago and adopted into a Bahamian immigrant family, Seymour was introduced to the game through parents and uncles whose connection to soccer traced back to Caribbean culture shaped by English influence. From an early age, the sport became a shared language at home and a foundation for what would become a lifelong path. From Basketball Dreams to a Soccer Calling As a young athlete, Seymour originally envisioned a future in basketball. That perspective shifted after joining a travel soccer team in a predominantly Black community, where the game quickly became a source of joy and identity. The next step came with acceptance into the Chicago Fire Academy, an experience that transformed soccer from a passion into a realistic career pursuit. Seymour later played at Northwestern University, where their playing career was challenged by a difficult cycle of injuries. That period became a turning point rather than an endpoint. After studying consulting, Seymour transitioned into private training and coaching, eventually taking on a leadership role with the very team they once played for. Coaching as Advocacy and Leadership Coaching that familiar group carried special meaning. Under Seymour’s guidance, the team achieved major milestones, including qualifying for and upsetting opponents in the US Open Cup. Beyond results, Seymour views coaching as a responsibility rooted in care, trust, and advocacy. As a Black coach, they serve not only as a developer of players but also as a connector of communities and a steady presence for players and families navigating difficult personal moments. Culture, Visibility, and the Power of Representation Seymour sees global tournaments such as Africa Cup of Nations as essential platforms for celebrating the richness and diversity of Black cultures. These competitions highlight shared passion and pride while reinforcing a sense of belonging that resonates across continents and communities. Within the United States, Seymour has witnessed meaningful growth in Black representation in soccer. While Black players remain a minority in the sport, accessibility and visibility continue to improve. One of the most encouraging developments has been the rise of Black women contributing at the highest level with the United States women's national soccer team, a progression Seymour describes as a genuine source of joy and inspiration. A Vision for Continued Growth Looking ahead, Seymour’s approach centers on action. Their strategy focuses on becoming the best coach possible, uplifting players through encouragement, and speaking out against injustices and microaggressions both on and off the field. A major priority lies in investing in underserved areas by providing access to training, community camps, and volunteer-driven programs that remove barriers to participation. At the core of that vision sits a simple belief: soccer brings people together. With a ball at their feet and purpose guiding their work, Shannon Seymour continues to spread awareness, build opportunity, and strengthen the communities that make the game what it is. Black History Month Spotlight Shannon Seymour represents the evolving face of soccer in the United States—rooted in cultural heritage, shaped by perseverance, and driven by service. Their story highlights how coaching can extend beyond tactics and wins, becoming a force for representation, advocacy, and lasting impact.   About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootballl

Diaza is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Coaches Hub, the innovative coaching education platform powered by Soccer Profile and led by former Premier League and EPL player and manager Garry Monk. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in Diaza’s long-term mission: to support organizations not only through high-performance teamwear and match-day apparel, but by focusing directly on the education and development of the coaches who shape the game every day.     A Platform Designed for Real-World Application Coaches Hub was created to address a clear gap in the coaching landscape: the need for accessible, structured, and highly practical resources that can be immediately applied on the pitch. Under the direct oversight of Garry Monk, whose professional career spans the highest levels of English football as both player and manager, the platform blends elite insight with actionable learning. Every module is curated to ensure that coaches receive not just information, but clear guidance that translates into better sessions, stronger leadership, and improved player development. Unlike traditional educational pathways that can feel theoretical or disconnected from daily realities, Coaches Hub prioritizes: Practical drills and session plans ready for implementation Tactical and leadership insights grounded in professional experience Video tutorials and on-demand webinars Exclusive interviews and perspectives from the Soccer Profile network Ongoing updates aligned with modern football methodology Garry Monk plays a central role in shaping the philosophy and direction of the platform, ensuring that its content reflects contemporary coaching standards and the evolving demands of the game.     Expanding Access Through Partnership As Coaches Hub continues its global expansion, partnering with Diaza strengthens its ability to reach coaches across multiple regions and competitive levels. Stuart, Managing Director of Coaches Hub, emphasized that this collaboration enables both organizations to deliver high-quality learning opportunities to grassroots coaches, academy staff, aspiring professionals, and club directors alike. The partnership extends access to structured, evidence-based education across the Diaza network, helping clubs elevate their internal standards while equipping coaches with tools to make a measurable impact. “The Coaches Hub is about empowering coaches to reach their full potential and make a real impact on the game,” said Garry Monk. “Our partnership with Diaza enables us to provide their partner clubs with the tools, knowledge, and insights coaches need to inspire players, unlock talent, and elevate the standard of football at every level.”     A Shared Commitment to Excellence For Diaza, this partnership reflects a deeper philosophy: real progress in football starts with investing in people. Diego Hurtado, representing Diaza, shared his perspective on the collaboration: “Working alongside organizations of this prestige reinforces our commitment to raising standards across every level of the game. Coaches are the foundation of player development and club culture. Partnering with Coaches Hub allows us to provide not only premium apparel solutions, but access to world-class education and insight that can truly transform environments. We care about long-term impact, not short-term visibility.” By aligning with a platform powered by Soccer Profile and guided by Garry Monk’s elite experience, Diaza strengthens its position as a brand that delivers value beyond equipment, supporting structure, leadership, and sustainable growth within clubs.     Looking Ahead Coaches Hub’s long-term vision is to become a global leader in coaching education, a dynamic community where professionals can continuously refine their craft, exchange knowledge, and access practical tools that enhance both individual and team performance. Through this partnership, that vision expands further. Clubs within the Diaza ecosystem now have access to a powerful combination: high-performance kit solutions and high-performance coaching education, unified under a shared goal of elevating the game.     Learn More Coaches, directors, and industry professionals are encouraged to explore the platform and discover the resources available: Explore The Coaches Hub here: Official Website Together, Diaza and Coaches Hub are building a stronger foundation for coaching excellence and driving the future of football forward.   About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootballl

From the very first touches of a ball at three years old, soccer has been more than a game for Channing Chasten. It has been a constant thread—shaping character, opening doors, and eventually becoming a platform to give back and create impact far beyond the pitch. A Journey Rooted in the Game Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Channing’s connection to the sport started early and only deepened with time. After moving to Arizona around the age of 10, Channing quickly stood out, earning a spot on the varsity team at Hamilton High School as a freshman. That season culminated in a state championship, where Channing scored and helped secure the title. Multiple all-state selections and recognition as player of the region followed, confirming a trajectory built on talent, discipline, and consistency. That journey continued at Ohio State University, where Channing fulfilled a lifelong dream by playing college soccer close to home. On and off the field, excellence remained the standard, highlighted by an Academic All–Big Ten selection. After their junior season, Channing took the next step, signing professionally with Phoenix Rising FC and making their debut during their first two seasons with the club. Next Level: More Than a Team Today, Channing is a central figure in the growth of Next Level, a project that has evolved into something deeper than competition alone. Despite the challenges of high-stakes matches, including regional finals and national-level games, Next Level has developed into a true team and family—one defined by shared values, resilience, and collective growth. For Channing, this sense of community has become one of the most rewarding experiences of their soccer life. Turning Lessons into Legacy Soccer’s influence on Channing extends far beyond results and trophies. The values learned through years of training—practice, perseverance, patience—sparked the creation of the 1% Kid, a children’s book designed to teach young readers the power of incremental growth and belief in themselves. That message expanded further with the launch of the 1% Kid Foundation, a nonprofit focused on soccer, literacy, and mindset. Through low-cost camps and educational initiatives, the foundation aims to make learning enjoyable and accessible while introducing children to both the basics of the game and life-enriching habits. At its core is a clear purpose: to address the lack of diverse representation in both soccer and children’s literature, and to ensure that Black and Brown kids can see themselves reflected—and empowered—on the page and in the sport. Culture, Creativity, and the Future of Soccer Channing is also a strong believer in soccer as a cultural movement. Inspired by global tournaments and the creative expression seen in international competitions, they value how culture, design, and storytelling can elevate the game. Players like Neymar Jr. and Memphis Depay represent that evolution—athletes who combine elite performance with creativity, authenticity, and connection beyond the field. Looking ahead, Channing emphasizes the importance of accessibility. For soccer to continue growing in the United States, experiences like the World Cup must remain inclusive, allowing fans from all backgrounds to participate in the spectacle that makes the sport special. More Than a Player At every stage, Channing Chasten embodies what Black History Month celebrates in soccer: excellence, resilience, creativity, and community impact. Whether competing at a high level, building teams like Next Level, or inspiring the next generation through education and representation, Channing continues to prove that the game can be a powerful tool for change, one percent at a time.   About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootballl