• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Alianza de Futbol Elevates U.S. Hispanic Soccer, Now With LaLiga’s Help

LaLiga Alianza de Futbol
Photo Courtesy Alianza de Futbol
LaLiga Alianza de Futbol
Photo Courtesy Alianza de Futbol

Alianza de Futbol wants to ensure the U.S. Hispanic population has plenty of chances to play soccer and it’s only growing.

The organization started in 2004, bringing together adult Hispanic leagues with Copa Alianza, a tournament for Hispanic adults in the U.S. Copa Alianza has since grown to include a youth tournament, 5v5 tournament, women’s programs, coaching clinics and a tryout program with scouts present from the Mexican National Team, MLS, USL, LigaMX and college programs, according to Joaquin Escoto, Alianza de Futbol managing partner.

Alianza de Futbol has program sponsorship from Allstate Insurance, Toyota, Univision Deportes and JugoTV, all of which Escoto says allows the organization to keep entry fees low while playing in top venues and providing quality uniforms.

READ MORE: Gold Cup Looks To Gain Mileage This Summer With Valvoline

Now, Alianza has a major global soccer league behind it.

In January, FOS detailed La Liga’s focus on growing its fanbase in the U.S. Recognizing the strong developmental program of Alianza, La Liga is committing to the growth of Hispanic youth soccer in the U.S.

“Talent development is one of the key pillars of La Liga North America and is critical to our mission of growing soccer in the United States,” North American CEO Boris Gartner says. “We are committed to providing more opportunities for young people and underserved communities to compete and advance their skills.”

Developing talent could also ultimately prove beneficial for La Liga clubs. The league is also deeply involved in this year’s 10-city Alianza de Futbol Tour, which runs from May to September. Additionally, La Liga coaches will be at the Allstate Sueño Alianza National Showcase, where they will select 18 players from an original pool of 5,000. This all-star team will travel to Spain for two weeks of play against La Liga academies and other youth clubs.

“La Liga is providing an amazing opportunity to the players,” Escoto says. “There’s a huge talent pool and to have LaLiga want to invest and grow the game is one thing. But it will give these players a legit chance to stay in La Liga.”

Along with providing 18 of the players in the system a chance to earn a trip – and potential roster spots in Spain – La Liga will be at all 10 stops on the tour, helping train players and coaches. Alianza de Futbol has partnered with leagues — including MLS, USL and LigaMX — before, but La Liga is the first to invest heavily.

[mc4wp_form id=”8260″]

On top of the on-the-field activity, there’s also a fan experience, showcasing the La Liga trophy and kits from all 20 teams. The fan experience shows how the relationship is mutually beneficial, as La Liga hopes to build a deeper connection with a fanbase open to new soccer fandoms.

“They know they’re opening more doors and bringing themselves closer to the fans,” Escoto says.

As Alianza de Futbol continues to evolve, Escoto says the exposure will continue to draw more into the program. This year, the organization also announced its four-year partnership with Univision, which gains exclusivity to coverage of the Alianza tour. At the end of the season, a one-hour program from the Sueño Alianza.

Building on the Univision partnership, Escoto says a large area of investment in the future will be telling the stories of Alianza, specifically mentioning content from the tour of Spain with the 18 players selected for the tour.

“Telling stories that are incredible will help the program grow,” he says. “These Hispanic families that drove six hours for the scouts to see them and now their lives are changed.”

From connecting previously unlinked adult leagues with a championship to sending players to Spain, Escoto says the next focus is continuing youth development and connecting the scouting program to more outlets.

READ MORE: Univision Deportes Plans to Dominate US Soccer Viewership

Of the 5,000 players involved this season, maybe seven will play professionally, but another 40 could play in college, Escoto claims. To accompany that goal, the Alianza Foundation is helping players in the organization with strong grade point averages attain free mentoring, including SAT and college prep courses.

“We want to go deeper into the college space, so you’ll see a lot of us going into that space,” Escoto says. “Every year, we’ll look at the events and what’s needed and try tome it better.”

Some players from this year’s Alianza de Futbol Tour will make a splash in Spain, but many more could gain positive life experiences.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
Nov 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, UNITED STATES; Mike Tyson (black gloves) fights Jake Paul (silver gloves) at AT&T Stadium.

Netflix Spectacle Made Tyson, Paul Top Trending U.S. Athletes of 2024: Google

The Yankees and Dodgers were among the top trending sports team searches in 2024.
Oct 22, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; TCU Horned Frogs center Sedona Prince (13) talks to media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center.

Athletes in Landmark House Case Ask for College Players’ Association

Plaintiffs in the House v. NCAA case want more than just revenue-sharing.
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.
August 26, 2024

Cooper Flagg Spurns Nike Ties for New Balance

Flagg is the projected top pick in 2025.
Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) reacts after hitting a RBI single against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
October 31, 2024

Strauss Ads on MLB Helmets Annoyed Some Fans. CEO Says They Were a ‘Huge Success’

Strauss’s deal with MLB goes until 2027.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
August 22, 2024

Marketing Stunt Had Major Cycling Race Start In Grocery Store

The Vuelta has a history of creative stage kickoffs.
August 19, 2024

Jake Paul Claims He’ll Make $40 Million Off Tyson Netflix Fight

Paul and Tyson are set to fight in Texas in November.
August 16, 2024

Mets Bring Back Grimace in Latest Viral Gambit

Viral marketing is typical for the 2024 Mets, who have leaned in.
August 15, 2024

Saudis Make North American Soccer Inroads With Concacaf Deal

It’s PIF’s first North American soccer investment.