Channing Chasten: Building Community, Purpose, and Opportunity Through Soccer

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

January 2026 - Diaza brought its community together again with the Best Jersey of 2025 Tournament, a social media–driven activation designed to celebrate standout kits from the previous year while building momentum ahead of the new season. Built around one simple idea — letting the community decide — the tournament featured 40 Diaza jerseys competing head to head through Instagram Stories voting over a six-day period. Fans, players, and supporters were invited to vote daily, turning the tournament into a shared experience driven by identity, pride, and connection to their teams. From the start, the objective was twofold: to highlight the creativity and storytelling behind Diaza jerseys across different teams and leagues, and to activate the community by putting the final decision directly in their hands.   A Tournament Built by the Community The competition launched on January 14 and followed a bracket-style format, with jerseys advancing round by round based entirely on community votes. The structure included a Group Stage, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Final Four, and a Championship Final. Each matchup encouraged daily participation and repeat engagement, as supporters returned to vote, share, and rally behind their teams. The result was a dynamic, fast-paced tournament that lived and breathed through the Diaza network.     Engagement That Spoke for Itself The response from the community exceeded expectations. Throughout the activation: More than 15,000 total votes were submitted via Instagram Stories Hundreds of reshares were generated across club and supporter accounts Over 400,000 impressions were recorded in a single week What stood out most was that the engagement was driven almost entirely by organic sharing and team-led amplification. The numbers reflected not just reach, but a genuine emotional connection between supporters, clubs, and the jerseys they represent.   The Final Showdown and a Clear Winner After narrowing the field from 40 to just two, the final round came down to Delaware City FC vs. NY Empire FC. Following another highly competitive round of live voting, NY Empire FC was crowned the winner of the Best Jersey of 2025 Tournament, earning the $3,000 Diaza store credit grand prize. From 40 jerseys to one champion, the journey highlighted how powerful design and identity can be when a community is fully engaged.     Giving Back to the Community To extend the experience beyond voting, Diaza introduced two giveaways tied directly to the tournament: Winning Jersey Giveaway Celebrating NY Empire FC’s victory, this giveaway rewarded supporters through simple engagement mechanics, reinforcing the connection between the winning design and the community behind it. Community Choice Jersey Giveaway Launched before the final winner was announced, this giveaway allowed participants to choose any of the 40 jerseys featured in the tournament — a way to thank everyone who showed up, voted, and supported teams throughout the early rounds. This two-giveaway approach helped maintain momentum, broaden participation, and ensure that teams beyond the final matchup were still celebrated.   Looking Ahead Beyond the metrics, the Best Jersey of 2025 Tournament proved the value of interactive, community-led formats. By combining competition, recognition, and reward, Diaza created an activation that kept teams and supporters involved from start to finish. The success of this tournament sets a strong foundation for future editions and reinforces a core Diaza belief: jerseys matter because they tell stories, represent identity, and bring people together. The Diaza community showed up — and went all in.   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