Atlético Union Names Diaza as Official Technical Partner Ahead of Historic 2026 USL League Two Debut

GREELEY, COLORADO (2026) — Atlético Union has officially named Diaza as its Technical Partner ahead of the club’s inaugural 2026 season in USL League Two, marking a defining step in the return of elite pre-professional soccer to Northern Colorado. Forged in the Foothills and Finished in Gold, Atlético Union was born from a long-standing vision within the Greeley community — a project inspired by residents who have dreamed of bringing high-level soccer back to the region for nearly three decades. Now, as the club prepares to take the field in May 2026, that vision becomes reality. More than building a roster, Atlético Union is building a legacy — uniting Northern Colorado under one crest, one purpose, and one identity.     A Club Rooted in Community Based in Greeley, a city with a deeply engaged and diverse soccer culture, Atlético Union emerged at a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across North America and the recent evolution of the USL structure, the club’s timing reflects both ambition and strategic foresight. The project places strong emphasis on youth development, community engagement, and long-term growth. With plans to operate under a youth academy umbrella and future expansion into the women’s game, Atlético Union is positioning itself as a foundational pillar of Northern Colorado soccer. The club’s rallying cry — “One Union. One Heart.” — captures its mission: to bring players, families, cultures, and supporters together under a shared identity.     A Shared Mission For Diaza, the partnership extends beyond apparel. “From the first conversation, it was clear that Atlético Union wasn’t just building a team — they were building identity,” said Diego Hurtado, CEO and Founder of Diaza. “At Diaza, our mission is to change lives through sport by giving people belief in what they can become. Atlético Union embodies that belief — in its players, in its community, and in the future of Northern Colorado soccer.” Hurtado continued: “When you launch a club, the jersey is more than fabric. It’s armor. It represents history, territory, and responsibility. We are proud to help shape the visual identity of Atlético Union as they enter USL League Two and begin writing their story.”     The Road to 2026 Atlético Union’s path to kickoff included open trials in January 2026, a preseason showcase in March, and its official inaugural league match in May 2026. With affordable ticket pricing, strong community integration, and plans for long-term structural growth — including academy development and future expansion into the women’s game — the club is positioning itself as a lasting force in the region. As Northern Colorado prepares for a new era, one message resonates clearly: One Union. One Heart.     About Atlético Union Atlético Union is a Northern Colorado-based soccer club competing in USL League Two beginning in 2026. Founded with a mission to unite the region under one crest, the club is committed to community engagement, youth development, and building a legacy rooted in pride, resilience, and unity. More on https://atleticounion.com/      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

Greenville, NC - For Edward Mensah, soccer has never been just a sport—it has been a calling, a bridge between cultures, and a way to give back to the communities that shaped him. From Ghana to Opportunity in the United States Born and raised in Ghana, Edward’s love for the game set him apart early. Despite having five siblings, he was the only one who pursued sports, developing a deep connection with soccer that became part of his identity. That passion opened a life-changing door in 2018, when he was recruited to the United States by Monet Academy in Florida, combining education with high-level soccer competition. Arriving in the U.S. during his junior year of high school, Edward adapted quickly—on and off the field. After graduating, he committed to Saint Louis University for his freshman collegiate season before continuing his academic and athletic journey at Georgia Southern University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. A Moment That Changed Everything Among all the matches and milestones, one moment stands out above the rest. During a tough game, Edward scored a long-range goal—only to hear his mother screaming his name from the stands. It was the first time she had ever seen him play in person. That goal, and her reaction, became a turning point. From that day on, she became one of his biggest supporters, making it one of the most meaningful memories of his soccer life. Culture, Diversity, and the Way Soccer Is Played Edward credits Black culture as a powerful influence on the game, especially in shaping work ethic and resilience. He values diverse locker rooms and shared experiences with teammates from countries like Costa Rica, Japan, and Thailand—environments that demand adaptability and expand how the game is understood and played. For Edward, diversity isn’t just a social value; it’s a competitive advantage that sharpens instincts and elevates performance. Finding a Soccer Home in North Carolina Having played in multiple states, Edward sees strong similarities between Florida and North Carolina when it comes to soccer culture. Both offer vibrant, deeply rooted communities where the game is part of everyday life. In North Carolina, he especially values spontaneous and organized pickup games—low-pressure environments that allow players to develop creativity, instincts, and real-game intelligence in ways drills alone cannot replicate. Greenville United and Giving Back Edward joined Greenville United after being approached by someone he considers extended family, with a shared goal of making an impact and pushing the team forward. What started as a football decision quickly became something deeper, growing into a family-like bond built on trust and shared purpose. Off the field, Edward is deeply embedded in the community. He volunteers his time coaching and mentoring young players, sharing not only soccer knowledge but belief. Having grown up in an ultra-competitive environment in Ghana—where praise was rare—he understands the power of encouragement. For him, compliments and motivation are not small gestures; they are tools to inspire confidence and fuel ambition in the next generation. Black History Month Spotlight Edward Mensah represents the global roots of Black excellence in soccer—migration, sacrifice, culture, and community all woven into one journey. From Ghana to the United States, from college fields to Greenville United, his story is about more than goals and games. It’s about impact, representation, and lifting others as you rise. 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

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