Our Story

In 2012, a passionate group of individuals came together with a shared vision to create a soccer club that would address the financial and resource barriers that prevent young players from accessing competitive soccer opportunities. They recognized that in a region where top soccer clubs could cost over $3,000 per player annually, excluding travel, many low-income youth were unable to benefit from quality coaching, equipment, or facilities.

By 2013, their efforts culminated in the founding of a community football club designed to break down these barriers. The club's mission was to create a supportive environment where youth from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial circumstances, would have access to the sport, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to develop their skills.

Soccer Mom: A PCFC Short Documentary.

OUR FOUNDER

In 2012, our founder, Kaig Lightner, was deeply committed to the community and sought to create a space where soccer could drive social change. With a background in soccer and community advocacy, he understood the sport's power to connect and foster growth. His vision was to build not just a club, but a platform where young players could thrive both on and off the field.

In 2017, he publicly came out in a video that went viral, reaffirming our club’s dedication to being a safe and welcoming environment for all. PCFC became the first youth soccer club in Portland to adopt an open acceptance policy for LGBTQ+ players, coaches, and families, recognizing the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in youth athletics.

Under his foundation and the current leadership today, we are proud to create a space where BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Latino/a/e, immigrant, and refugee youth thrive. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all players to grow, connect, and fall in love with soccer. At PCFC, everyone belongs.