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DIAS MGMT SIGNS ON AS CLUB SPONSOR

By ACADEMICA SC STAFF, 02/27/23, 2:15PM PST

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Dias Mgmt Inc. Logo Academica is proud to announce Dias Mgmt Inc as the club’s official sleeve sponsor.


Dias Mgmt Inc. Logo

Academica is proud to announce Dias Mgmt Inc as the club's official sleeve sponsor. Dias Mgmt is owned by Paul Dias, a former Academica player now living in Arizona. Dias Mgmt owns and operates 22 McDonalds restaurants in Southern Arizona. Dias Mgmt will be the official sleeve sponsor for Academica's Mens and Women's teams.

Paul and his wife Nelie were both born in Terceira, Azores Islands in Portugal before immigrating with their families in the mid 1970's. Paul played soccer since a child and played for Academica for several years after high school.

Paul's career at McDonalds started as a crew member at the McDonalds on West Main St. in Turlock, right down the road from Academica Field. After working there for 16 years and making his way up the ladder, Paul and his wife purchased their first McDonalds in Colorado. Two and a half years later, the family moved to Tucson, Arizona to purchase 5 restaurants and have now grown to 22 sites throughout southern Arizona.

Paul dedicates this sponsorship in memory of his father, Alberto Dias. Alberto was an avid fan of Academica, following the team to away games throughout the state. "My dad attended every single game AND practice my entire soccer career. To say he loved and was passionate about soccer would be an understatement. From his club team (Benfica) to the Portugal National Team - he NEVER missed a game. There were times that he would let his passion get in the way of politeness - there are many great stories of him being asked to leave the side lines of a few games. All just a reflection of his passion to want to win," stated Paul.

 


Paul played as a GK in his younger years.


Paul and his father Alberto at the 1994 World Cup.

Paul had this to say about the sponsorship between the two parties, "This sponsorship is very personal for me and my family. As we have gotten older and have been blessed with so much success We have recognized how important it is to give back to our communities and the organizations that have ties to the communities we love. I grew up playing soccer in the Turlock area and as a tribute to my father and his love for soccer it’s an honor and a privilege to help make the Academica soccer program successful."


Paul, his wife Nelie, and his two daughters, Megan and Lindsey.

For more information about Dias Mgmt and the great work Paul is doing in Arizona, head to McDiasInc.com.

 

Make sure to head over to our shop to get your season tickets to catch the Black and Gold in action this season!