Portland Pro Soccer Unveils Streetwear Clothing Collection in Support of Local Environmental Protection

Portland Pro Soccer, a prospective United Soccer League (USL) expansion group led by former USL player and Falmouth-native Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, has announced the launch of its first-ever streetwear clothing collection. Inspired by local creatives and the unique history and culture of Maine’s largest city, the collection will also benefit local environmental protection efforts.

“Portland is an incredible city, overflowing with creativity and excitement,” said Hoffman-Johnson. “We wanted to harness the things that make people so proud of being from here, combine it with the city’s support for soccer, and do our part to support a good cause. Keeping everything local is the goal. We want our club to be a reflection of the community – we want to have a positive impact within our community – this is our reason for being, and just the first step.”  

The limited-edition ‘Forest City’ Collection merges Portland’s rich heritage and natural beauty with its growing interest in professional soccer. The collection, which features the design work of local creative Hugh McCormick, includes a forest green color palette and is inspired by the city’s iconic coast and young, vibrant local culture. Local photographer Nicole Wolf compiled a beautiful look book, which is available for viewing on the collection website, which is available here.

In addition to its local inspiration, the ‘Forest City’ Collection will contribute to protecting Maine’s environment. A portion of the proceeds will support the following conservation organizations:

• The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), the state’s leading environmental advocacy group.

“Protecting a clean environment for all to enjoy takes work on the local, regional, and statewide levels. We’re grateful to USL to Portland for recognizing that Maine’s stunning outdoors, healthy air, and clean water are an essential part of what makes the state such a special place to live, work, and play,” said Todd Martin, director of NRCM Rising, a program of the Natural Resources Council of Maine to engage and mobilize Maine’s emerging generation of environmental leaders.

• Sebago Clean Waters, a coalition of organizations working to conserve forests in the Sebago watershed to keep Greater Portland's water supply clean and protect the natural beauty and way of life in the Sebago region.

"As one of only about 50 surface drinking water supplies in the country that is so pure it does not need filtration before treatment, Sebago Lake is an extraordinary resource. We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to keep it that way,” said SCW coordinator Karen Young. “We're so pleased to partner with USL to Portland, who sees the importance of forests to the communities that we live in.”

• The Maine Brewshed® Alliance, NRCM’s collaboration with local craft brewers to protect the clean waters that make our state a great place to live, work, play, and enjoy great beer.

About USL League One

Shaping the future of the game in the United States and Canada, the United Soccer League (USL) – one of the most successful professional soccer organizations in the world – announced in 2017 it would launch a new third division - USL League One in Spring 2019, uniting passionate fans in new markets with the thrill of a proven professional soccer experience.

The USL has targeted U.S. communities ranging in population from 150,000 to one million – markets that represent more than 75 million people without access to a local professional soccer club. League One has focused on launching new clubs in markets that possess strong local ownership groups, populations with broad-based diversity, a vibrant millennial and strong family base, established corporate support, and stadiums to properly showcase the sport for fans, partners and the public.