How Portland Built a Soccer Community

When I headed to Portland to film an episode about the community behind the Hearts of Pine, I expected to learn more about soccer. What I didn't expect was to find one of the most passionate and welcoming communities I've ever experienced.

For our game day stay, we checked into the beautiful Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront. Its location made it the perfect home base for exploring Portland and taking in everything that makes a Hearts of Pine match day special.

Our first stop was the legendary Portland Zoo. Long before Hearts of Pine kicked their first ball, the Portland Zoo was already a soccer bar. When they heard Portland was getting a professional soccer team, they knew they wanted to be part of it and they absolutely have become part of the story.

The backyard was packed with fans hours before kickoff. Some were getting ready to head to the stadium, while others planned to stay and watch the match from the bar. Either way, it was clear this is the place to be on game day.

I sat down with owner Mark Miller, and we quickly discovered we had something in common. Neither of us were die-hard soccer fans before Hearts of Pine arrived. For me, it wasn't even the soccer that drew me in, it was the community.

Mark has also helped lead another important effort in Portland through Raising the Game, a nonprofit that helps ensure youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity can participate in soccer. It's a mission that perfectly reflects the inclusive spirit surrounding the club. In fact, proceeds from the Maine Scuttlebutt and Dirigo Union collaboration t-shirt benefit Raising the Game.

While filming at the Portland Zoo, I quickly realized there were some people I needed to meet. One of them was Don, a member of the Dirigo Union supporters group and one of the people who helped bring the organization to life. I knew he was important when people literally started cheering as he walked into the bar.

Don shared the story of how the Dirigo Union began before Hearts of Pine had even played a match. What started as a small group of believers has grown into a supporters organization with more than 1,000 members and fans spread across the globe. The passion and dedication of the group is incredible.

We also talked about Dana Ricker, who leads the chants and keeps the energy flowing throughout match day. Dana has become a role model for many of the younger girls in the community and is a perfect example of how Hearts of Pine has created opportunities for people to connect, belong, and lead.

From there, we made our way to the stadium, where I met Bryan from the Valentines Band, the official band of Hearts of Pine. If you've ever attended a match, you've heard them. They help create the atmosphere, keep the energy high, and make every game feel like an event.

Bryan spoke about how the band continues to grow and how much the Hearts community means to him. Like everyone I spoke with that day, his passion wasn't just about soccer, it was about people.

By the end of the day, I was genuinely blown away by what has been built in Portland. Hearts of Pine isn't just a soccer club. It's a community. It's a gathering place. It's a shared identity that has brought together people from all walks of life.

I came to Portland expecting to film a story about soccer. I left feeling like I had become part of something bigger.

In fact, I made it official. I joined the Dirigo Union myself.

And honestly, I can't wait to come back.

If you'd like to learn more about the Dirigo Union, their membership program, and upcoming events, be sure to visit their website and consider becoming part of this incredible community.

Kate