Silverbacks, Diadora team up

Published on July 27, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


The Atlanta Silverbacks and Diadora America announced today that they have entered into a four-year marketing partnership. The agreement will commence in January 2006 and will span across the entire Silverbacks organization.

Diadora America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of world-renowned Italian sportswear company Diadora/Invicta Group, will become the official apparel outfitter, official ball supplier and preferred shoe provider for the Atlanta Silverbacks. The red-and-black gorillas will become one of the ‚¬Å“gems ‚¬Â of Diadora's One of Eleven ‚¬Â project, which includes some of the most important clubs in international soccer, such as Italian powerhouse AS Roma, South American giants Palmeiras of Brazil, and Bundesliga side Hannover 96.

Kyle Mertel, Diadora's National Sales and Promotions Manager for Soccer, commented: The Diadora/Silverbacks relationship is unlike any in the US market. What the Silverbacks bring to Diadora in terms of prestige and numbers is unprecedented. Exposing the Diadora brand to players, coaches, fans and parents on an individual basis is key to continuing Diadora's success at the club level.

The Atlanta Silverbacks are creating a complete soccer club in the United States, based on the models used for over a century in Europe, Latin America and around the world. The Silverbacks are dedicated to creating an environment that encourages men, women, amateurs, professionals, youth and adults to come together for the good of the sport.

The gorilla club currently includes a men's professional team, a top-level women's team, boys and girls ‚¬Å“super-youth ‚¬Â squads, a 4,000 player youth program, an amateur and adult player division, a camps program, an indoor sports center and Atlanta Silverbacks Park, which hosts thousands of soccer players and teams from throughout the region, the country and the world, and will soon be home to the club's stadium and headquarters facilities.

Stephen Pratten, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Silverbacks, remarked: "The Silverbacks look forward to partnering with Diadora as we continue to promote the sport of soccer in the United States. Diadora is an international sporting goods company with an outstanding reputation and we have already begun a relationship that I feel will be beneficial to both organizations.

Specific terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed. For more information on the Atlanta Silverbacks please visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com.

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USL First Division Stories from July 27, 2005


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