Space United, MRCOOL®, and ALAS Corporation Partner to Inspire Latin American Youth Through Space and Soccer
SEATTLE, WA – September 29, 2025 – Space United, a space-driven sports organization founded by The Tobacia Brothers, soccer athletes who became space engineers at SpaceX and Blue Origin, announced a partnership with ALAS Corporation and a sponsorship agreement with MRCOOL®. These collaborations will ignite excitement for space exploration through soccer in Latin America.
Expanding on its ongoing collaboration with ALAS, a Colombian non-profit advancing aerospace education, Space United will return to Medellín, October 23–26, 2025, as mentors and judges for the 3rd Annual Rocketry Competition. Last year’s event gathered 1,000+ attendees and 300 students, who built and launched rockets under the guidance of local industry leaders and Space United engineer-athletes. The competition concluded with a friendly exhibition match between Space United and Atlético Nacional, Colombia’s soccer powerhouse, showing how the world’s most popular sport can open new pathways to inspire the next generation of space explorers.
This year’s mission is made possible by MRCOOL®, an innovative HVAC company committed to creating social impact and expanding opportunities worldwide. “We are thrilled to head back to Medellín with MRCOOL®’s support”, said Space United founder Camilo Tobacia. “Their enthusiasm for space and soccer is a perfect match for our mission, and we’re proud to launch this partnership.”
Jason Ingram, Managing Member at MRCOOL®, says, “Our company has always looked ahead and encouraged innovation, and it’s clear to us that the future includes space exploration. We are thrilled to support the advancement of STEM and space sciences from the ground up by partnering with Space United and empowering youth to push forward in unique and exciting ways".
Space United ambassadors from leading space companies will share a keynote presentation titled “The Future of Sports in Space” and guide students in creating postcards to be launched to space aboard Blue Origin’s rocket in collaboration with Club for the Future. Over three days, the team will mentor youth through hands-on rocketry challenges and end the experience with a rematch against Atlético Nacional at their training facility in Guarne, Antioquia. This unique blend of STEM and sport ties soccer fans worldwide to the exciting future of space exploration.
For Space United and its partners, the event champions access to space education in Latin America, a region that has historically faced barriers to the space sector. “Soccer has been our dynamic way to open up conversations about space exploration,” said Tobacia, a Blue Origin engineer and former soccer athlete. “We’ve seen firsthand how the game can ignite curiosity about space.”
Founded in 2014 as a soccer club of engineer-athletes, Space United has grown into a platform for education, innovation, and inspiration. With the space economy projected to soar toward $1 trillion by 2030 (Morgan Stanley, 2023), opening access is more critical than ever. Together with ALAS, MRCOOL®, and Atlético Nacional, Space United’s mission is to make exploring and researching space exciting and relatable for all. “Space needs cool ways to engage today’s generations. We are creating a bridge that makes space approachable through soccer’s universal appeal,” added Tobacia.
About Space United
Space United, founded by the Tobacia Brothers, is the world’s first space-driven sports venture uniting soccer and space technology. From youth academies and global soccer teams to its bold LEO Sports Destination project, the company is redefining fan engagement and inspiring the next generation at the intersection of sport and space.
About ALAS Corporation
ALAS Corporation, a non-profit organization under Corporación SateLab, advances aerospace education in Colombia through initiatives such as the Colombian Sports Rocketry Competition, empowering youth to reach for the stars.
About MRCOOL®
MRCOOL® is an innovative HVAC solutions company dedicated to driving education and opportunity both locally and internationally, fueling STEM initiatives to inspire the next generation.
About Atlético Nacional
Atlético Nacional, Colombia’s premier football club, is renowned for its passionate fanbase and commitment to youth development, fostering talent and community unity through soccer.
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