With less than two months to go until the Portland Hearts of Pine kick off their second season, the pro men’s soccer team is seeking public input on establishing a women’s squad.
Three town halls are scheduled in March to gather input from fans, businesses and community soccer leaders to shape the future of a women’s team both on and off the pitch.
A pre-professional women’s team is envisioned for the USL W League, a pre-professional league aimed at developing the next generation of women’s soccer. The Hearts of Pine play in USL League One, the third tier of professional soccer in the United States.
“Building a women’s team has been part of the vision from the very beginning,” said Hannah Sirois, vice president of fan experience and first-ever staff member hired at the Hearts of Pine.
“We said from the very start that this would be a soccer club for all of Maine, and we meant it,” she added.
Town hall forums are scheduled for March 7 at Allagash Brewing Co. for fans and supporters; March 12 at Après cocktail bar for business, nonprofit and community leaders; and March 22 at Portland Soccer Complex with grassroots and youth soccer groups.
“The best clubs are reflections of their community, and for the soccer club of Maine to realize its full potential, it’s critical to include our community in this process,” said Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder and chief community officer at Hearts of Pine.
“The foundational identity of Hearts was built by Mainers, and a women’s team has been a part of that vision from day one,” he added. “Now that we’re here, we’re bringing that same level of care and intentionality to the development of the women’s team.”
Hoffman-Johnson, a former high school, college and pro soccer star, was honored on the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 list in 2024.