Backed by $1.5M in New Funding, Senda Athletics Breaks into Outdoor Soccer with Premium Fair Trade Cleats
MIAMI, FL — Senda Athletics, the brand that has spent years dominating the futsal world with its ethical, Fair Trade gear, is officially making its move into 11-a-side soccer. The company just announced a major $1.5 million seed funding round backed by some of the biggest names in the NWLS and USL. Plus, with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, they’ve opened up an additional $2.5 million for investors to fuel a massive global expansion.
To mark this financial milestone, Senda is dropping its first-ever outdoor firm ground (FG) footwear line: the Senda Rosario™ Elite and the Senda Mendoza™ Elite. These aren’t just rushed products; the brand spent over two years researching, developing, and testing them directly with professional athletes before bringing them to market.
A Deeply Rooted Vision Attracts Heavyweight Investors
Senda’s journey started back in 2010. Founded by Argentine-American entrepreneur Santiago Halty, the brand was built on a simple idea: bringing the raw passion of Latin American football culture to life while sticking strictly to social justice and Fair Trade principles. Halty’s uphill battle of building an ethical brand against corporate sportswear giants has even been documented in a raw, behind-the-scenes miniseries.
That authentic story is exactly what caught the attention of major sports investors. This round’s heavy hitters include:
- Michele Kang: Founder and CEO of Kynisca (the powerhouse behind Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes, and London City Lionesses)
- John Neace: From Louisville City FC
- Marc Effron: A well-known South Florida sports and entertainment entrepreneur
- Oregon Sports Angels: A prominent investor network known for backing sports innovation
“Senda is more than a brand; it’s a movement that brings the passion of Latin American soccer and the integrity of Fair Trade to the global game,” Halty shared. “We partnered with Fair Trade USA on this project, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Expect to see these cleats on major stages soon. Halty confirmed they will be hitting MLS pitches shortly, and will be worn at the World Cup by international stars like Canada’s goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and Cape Verde’s Josimar Evora Dias “Vozinha”.
From Futsal Roots to Field-Validated Performance
Senda took everything they learned from futsal—where razor-sharp agility and tight ball control are everything—and engineered it into these outdoor cleats. To make sure they were actually ready for prime time, professional players tested them on-pitch for over nine months.
The lineup features two distinct models tailored to different playing styles:
- Senda Rosario™ Elite (For the Attacker): Built for pure, explosive speed. It features an incredibly lightweight PEBAX® outsole and Senda’s signature Gravity Grip tech to give players maximum traction during high-speed sprints.
- Senda Mendoza™ Elite (For the Playmaker): Designed for the strategist who controls the game’s tempo. Made with premium microfiber, this boot focuses on a clean first touch, perfect balance, and the structural stability needed for smart playmaking (also featuring the lightweight PEBAX® outsole).
How to Buy
Both models are launching at an MSRP of USD $224.99. You can grab them through two main spots:
- Online: Globally with international shipping via www.sendaathletics.com .
- In-Person Exclusivity: Locally in Miami at Dick’s Sporting Goods House of Sport (7239 N Kendall Dr, Miami), which is currently the only physical retail location where you can try them on.
About Senda Athletics
Since 2010, Senda Athletics has been a disruptor in the soccer and futsal industry by sticking to Fair Trade-certified manufacturing. Their high-performance gear, from soccer balls to specialized technical grip socks, is trusted by global stars and has been featured as the official choice for elite tournament camps involving clubs like Juventus and Atlético de Madrid.
Pictures
Press contact:
+1 305 7331313
