PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) – Maine's first professional soccer team officially has a name.
The club announced Saturday that the team will be named the Portland Hearts of Pine.
The club's brand was inspired by Maine's pride and symbols. The club's crest includes a Maine pine tree, deep blue water, and a heart representing Portland's Valentine's Day bandit spirit. The club's motto is “Lead with your heart”, which is inspired by the state's motto “Dilli”.
Saturday's event was filled with dozens of soccer fans. Governor Janet Mills commemorated the announcement by declaring the day “Football Main Day.”
However, the brand didn't emerge overnight. It took years to develop, from focus groups to city halls to community input.
“You're essentially taking everything that we love about Portland, everything that we love about the state of Maine, which is huge in and of itself,” club founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson said. he said. “How do you narrow it down to something that is an appropriate representation of the club for all of us?”
Nearly five years later, Maine soccer fans now have a club name to root for.
“I've been looking forward to soccer coming to Portland for years,” said soccer fan Sharon Granville. “I've been a fan ever since I heard the first conversation about having a USL vs. Portland team here.”
The United Soccer League first announced that Portland, Maine, will form a team to play in USL League 1 in September 2023.
Although the Hearts of Pines, or Hearts for short, won't begin competition until next year, the Miners are looking forward to football coming to their state and have already purchased season tickets.
“This means community, and it means the diverse city of Portland has the opportunity to come together and enjoy the sport so many of us love,” Granville said.
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