More than a Brand. More than a Ball.
Chozen Zay was born from a mother’s sacrifice, a son’s dream, and a love for the game.
What began with one young soccer player became a mission to create representation, opportunity, and purpose through sport.
At seven years old, Zay stepped onto a soccer field for the first time. What seemed like a simple youth sport would eventually reveal a much bigger reality—the financial barriers, lack of access, and limited representation that many families face in the game.
That journey inspired the creation of Chozen Zay.
Where It All Began
My son has played soccer since he was seven years old. What started as a simple youth sport quickly became a way of life for our family.
Over the years, I watched him grow through the game—traveling across states, competing in tournaments, training year-round, and eventually playing internationally with his club team. Soccer gave him confidence, discipline, friendships, and opportunities that extended far beyond the field. But behind every opportunity came another expense. Travel fees. Tournament registrations. Uniforms. Training sessions. Equipment. Hotels. Flights. Meals on the road.
Like many parents, I made sacrifices to keep his dream alive. I worked extra hours, rearranged priorities, and delayed things I wanted for myself because when you believe in your child, you do whatever you can to help them pursue their purpose. As the years went on, I realized our story was not unique. I met families making the same sacrifices. I met talented athletes whose families struggled to keep them in the game. I watched young players walk away from opportunities—not because they lacked talent, but because the financial burden became too heavy.
That realization planted a question in my heart:
What if more young athletes had the support they needed to stay in the game?
That question became the foundation of everything that followed.
From One Journey to a Bigger Mission
What started with one little boy and a soccer ball grew into something much larger than our own story.
As I spent more time in the soccer community, I noticed another reality. At many tournaments, showcases, and elite soccer environments, my son was often one of only a few Black players on the field. It made me think deeply about access, representation, and opportunity.
Chozen Zay was born from a desire to celebrate culture, create representation, and inspire young athletes to believe that their stories matter.
What began as a brand eventually expanded into a greater purpose through Adopt A Student Athlete (AASA), where we work to remove barriers and create opportunities for youth athletes who deserve the chance to pursue their dreams.
Today, every jersey, every product, and every initiative is rooted in the same belief:
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t.