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

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