Up in Portland, Ore., the $17 billion First Tech Federal Credit Union announced a unique partnership in early July with the Portland Thorns FC – the credit union is providing the funding for the women’s soccer club’s first paid performance data coordinator position. The investment is part of the credit union’s First Tech Beyond program, which provides VIP access, special perks and exclusive experiences for First Tech members.

According to First Tech, the Portland Thorns performance data coordinator will be responsible for providing unique statistical insights, contributing to the team’s competitive edge enabled by better informed decisions, insights on player performance and support of tactical game planning. The new role will also help deliver reports on content performance and utilize statistics to engage fans through the sharing of match analysis on social media as well as during matches.

“Data is at the core of how we operate – on and off the field. It informs everything from tactical decisions during matches to how we connect with our fans and grow the game,” Portland Thorns President of Business Operations Alexis Lee stated. “When we’re making decisions that have significant implications for our athletes, our staff and our supporters, we rely on data to guide us with clarity and intention. This new role, made possible through our partnership with First Tech, is about building a smarter, more connected future for women’s soccer.”

Over in Kensington, Md., the $391 million Signal Financial Federal Credit Union has landed partnerships with two athletic organizations for their upcoming 2025-2026 seasons: First with the newly-formed, semi-pro football team PG Braves in Maryland’s Prince George’s County, and second with The Mecca Society, the official NIL collective for scholar athletes at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

As the Platinum partner for the PG Braves, Signal Financial will have a presence at all home games, including the initiation of door prizes and in-game activations, during the team’s inaugural season. Signal Financial team members will also be onsite to chat with attendees about the credit union.

Signal Financial’s partnership with The Mecca Society will center on financial education – in addition to having a presence at all of Howard University’s football, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball home games, the credit union will host four financial education workshops aimed at providing students, scholar athletes and faculty with knowledge and tools to understand key topics such as budgeting and credit.
 
Finally, the $1 billion, La Crosse, Wis.-based Marine Credit Union has teamed up with Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta to promote financial education throughout their shared communities.

Peralta made an appearance at MCU’s Racine Community Celebration at the credit union’s Racine, Wis., Financial Empowerment Center on July 10, and will make his next appearance at a bed build event led by the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace at MCU’s Milwaukee, Wis., Financial Empowerment Center on Sept. 2.

Peralta’s role at these events is to engage with community members alongside MCU team members to help spread awareness about the importance of financial empowerment, family support and access to resources, according to MCU.

“Freddy’s passion for community and service aligns perfectly with our mission to advance lives,” MCU Director of Marketing Chris Becker said. “He’s not only a phenomenal athlete – he’s a role model. We’re excited to work together to amplify the work happening in our communities and inspire others to get involved.”