FASHIONISTA Manchester City keeper Zack Steffen has launched his own clothing brand to help underprivileged kids
The American No1 helped City reach the semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over Southampton.
And now Steffen, 26, is up against Mexico during the international break this week as USA try to book a place in the Qatar World Cup.
But he is also making his mark off the pitch.
The shot stopper has released an exclusive all-black clothing line, including a goalkeeper kit-inspired highlight.
Talking to SunSport on the release of his new streetwear range, Steffen said: “We’ve always talked about wanting to do more in our communities.
“When the murder of George Floyd happened, we thought that we would try and use our platforms to speak out, and for more than just our own personal gain.
“They came up with the idea to come up with a limited edition clothing brand. It was the perfect collaboration.
“With all the pieces being black. All the lettering and wording being reflective, when the light shines on it, it amplifies the message.
“It brings black culture into the clothing.
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“The rose logo symbolises peaceful resistence but the thorns show that there’s still fight.
“The collab was all about making some cool streetwear that fans and people would like to wear and represent.
“All the money goes back to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America which gives kids a place to educate, learn, play and keep of the streets.”
VOYCENOW is a non-profit organisation that Steffen himself co-founded, which helps educate ethnic minority children in underprivileged areas.
Alongside ex-Columbus Crew team-mate Alex Crognale, the foundation was established in an effort to unite athletes from across the world to speak out against racism and fight for equality.
Steffen returned to the City squad last week after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to the win at St Mary’s Stadium with Steffen back in between the sticks.
Their reward is an in-form Liverpool in the semi-final, less than a week after the Premier League showdown between the giants.
The rampant Reds have been creeping up behind them for weeks and the title could be decided by the winners of that clash.
When asked if they felt the squeeze, Steffen said: ” It would have been nice to get three points against Crystal Palace, but a point on the road is OK.
“This is where it becomes really, really fun. It’s the end of the season when the pressure is on.
“We are aware of the situation and we are just focused on us and one game at a time and being the best that we can be.”
City now have one eye on the Treble, despite having four games in only 11 days in April.
Steffen has ambitions to win it all with the North West club, setting his sights on Europe’s elite prizes.
Speaking about personal achievements, he said: “The Champions League would be amazing.
“I would say becoming the number one and winning the Premier League or the Champions League would be the pinnacle.”
Zack Steffen spoke to SunSport on the launch of his new fashion collection with football media platform OneFootball. Proceeds from the range will be donated to equal opportunities charity, VOYCENOW, a non-profit organisation.
The collection is available exclusively from the OneFootball website.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
