Our Story
In 2012, Kaig Lightner, Founder and Executive Director, began to develop the concept of Portland Community Football Club (PCFC) in partnership with a group of passionate and frustrated soccer parents, most of whom live in the city’s most diverse, low-income and under-resourced neighborhoods.
For young players to participate and flourish in competitive soccer programs requires an unrealistic amount of money, time and resources. In a region where participating in top soccer clubs costs at least $2,000 annually per athlete, low-income youth are automatically excluded from the high-quality coaching, state of the art equipment and training facilities that more privileged kids receive.
PCFC was created to dismantle the barriers to competitive athletic training and opportunity, and to provide a safe and brave space for all youth to gain skills, confidence, educational and emotional support. In addition to supporting low-income, immigrant and refugee youth, PCFC is one of the only youth soccer clubs in the nation that openly encourages and supports LGBTQ+ players, coaches and parents.
Community Agreements
Family
We believe that family is chosen and defined by love. We value every kind of family.
Belonging
We believe all people have value to our communities and we unconditionally accept their authentic selves.
Mentorship
We believe mentorship empowers individuals through shared narratives, guiding them to success while celebrating their unique worth and authenticity on and off the field.
Access
We believe every human must have access to resources and opportunities that enable individuals to be liberated from societal oppression, and achieve their full potential.
Opportunity
We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to compete, play, access resources, belong, strive, receive support in failure, and pursue seemingly impossible goals.
Empathy
Everyone has a story. Even though we know that one can never fully understand another’s struggle, we value and honor each human’s lived experience.