Our Founder

In 2012, Kaig Lightner, founder of Portland Community Football Club (PCFC), collaborated with a group of passionate soccer parents from the city’s most diverse, low-income neighborhoods to develop the club’s concept. They aimed to address the financial and resource barriers that prevent young players from accessing competitive soccer programs. In a region where top soccer clubs cost at least $3,000 per player annually, not including travel, low-income youth are often excluded from quality coaching, equipment, and facilities.

Founded in 2013, PCFC was created to break down these barriers, providing a supportive environment where all youth of any background can have access, belonging, and opportunity.