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Hello there,
If you’re new around here, welcome to the Hearts fam! I’m Gabe—Founder and Chief Community Officer here at Hearts of Pine.
I hope everyone is enjoying these summer months in Maine! The time of year that makes all those winter days worth it. There’s something special about these soccer summer nights.
I’ve spent years imagining what a summer evening at Fitzy would look and feel like, and the collective release of community support and joy is beyond our wildest dreams. We’re still in awe of what we’re all building here. So thank you.
July’s been a big one for us at Hearts—three home matches down, one more to go before we roll into August. We’ve got a food feature this month, our new summer merch collection just dropped, and on top of all that—we’ve been lucky enough to be featured in Ad Age.
Let’s get into it.
MID-SEASON UPDATE: COMMUNITY IMPACT TICKETING PROGRAM
“The atmosphere at the Hearts of Pine game was electric. The team came away with a win—and it felt like a win for us, too. One of the families who joined us through this program is focused on creating positive experiences for their kids, and they were so grateful to have this opportunity.”
— A partner from Acorn’s affordable housing network
Back in April, we launched our Community Impact Ticketing Program—a commitment to ensuring that supporters of all backgrounds, regardless of financial circumstance, have the chance to experience the magic of a Hearts match at Fitzy during our inaugural season.
With the support of Acorn Engineering and their incredible network of affordable housing partners across Portland, Lewiston, and the midcoast, 340 tickets have gone directly into the hands of families who might not otherwise be able to experience a Hearts match. That number matters—but the stories behind it matter even more. We recognize the ability we have to make a difference, and the feedback we’ve gotten around the impacts of this program fill us with joy…felt only appropriate to pass along!
From the chants to the conversations on and off the pitch, your words carry. Here’s a quick listen to what we’ve been hearing lately.
“We will definitely be back! We drove up from Newburyport, MA (though I am a Portland native and Fitzy was my home HS field!). If we lived closer, we would be season ticket holders. Well done to everyone involved, this is incredible!”
“I brought two families with me, including six kids, and we all had an incredible time. The game was intense and exciting, especially the amazing comeback by our team! The kids were cheering, the families were engaged, and the energy in the stadium made it a truly memorable experience for everyone. These kinds of moments go a long way in helping families [via Community Impact Ticketing Program] feel welcome, connected, and uplifted.”
“Love the players. I just love their tenacity, teamwork, composure, determination, and their interactions with the crowd and their graciousness when accepting appreciation and admiration from their supporters. The athletes’ hard work is an enormous gift to our community. Also, LOVE the Dirigo Union “Zoo” fans – the outstanding, active, continuous participation and energy from this cheering section is phenomenal and lifts the game experience to a new level for all of us. They deserve an award :).”
“It was my first game and it was just so fun to be part of it. It doesn’t feel like a game, it feels like a movement.”
“I just wanted to say that what you all created, I can feel in my bones. It’s something worth cheering for, it is HEART and it’s weaving together community. There’s real ingenuity, intention, grit, and love behind it all and I can feel it.”
This is what it’s all about—building something that brings people together. Every bit of this is part of a larger effort to create a stronger, more connected Maine. Everyone here at Hearts believes in using this platform with purpose. We’re not just here to play—we’re here to build community, and we’re in it for the long haul.
If you’re not familiar, Ad Age is a global media brand that’s been around nearly a century, covering stories at the intersection of creativity, media, and culture.
This month they came out with a stellar piece on the club—digging into how Hearts came to be, the early days, and where we’re headed next.
We’re incredibly grateful for the recognition—but it’s not lost on us that so much of the credit belongs to you. It takes a village, and we’re only as special as the community that supports us. You’re playing a massive role in building this!
So if you find yourself wondering just how the heck this all happened (or just want to feel some hometown pride), give the full article a read.
MATCHDAY OR GETAWAY—DOUBLETREE BY HILTON IS THE SPOT
I’ve been meeting so many of you—at matches and out in the world—and I’m still in awe of where everyone’s coming from. We’ve got season ticket members from all16 counties, folks driving in from every corner of the state. I’ve met fans from just down the street and way up north, from the coast to across the country. It’s been wild—in the best way—to see how many people from all over are showing up for this.
Wherever you’re coming from to catch a Hearts match—finding a good place to stay shouldn’t be the hard part.
Luckily, we’ve got a wicked good option for you: DoubleTree by Hilton at Portland. It’s close to the action, comfortable, and perfect if you’re turning matchday into a full Portland weekend.
So if you’re just coming to a match, or need a home base while soaking up the coast for a weekend, this one’s a no-brainer.
DON’T LET SUMMER SLIP AWAY
Ahh, summer in Maine. The time of year when there’s no place I’d rather be. The long, warm, activity filled days we all cherish. The kind of days that feel like they’re gone too soon! So let’s make sure we’re taking advantage.
Whether you’re planning a summer staycation, hosting friends from away, trying to maximize your summer weekend or paying Maine a visit, here’s a little inspiration from our friends over at Visit Maine for all your planning and travel needs.
There are so many ways to embrace the magic of Maine this time of year. Festivals for all ages across the state celebrate Maine’s finest through music, art, food, and beyond.
Picture yourself eating lobster rolls along the coast from Ogunquit to Bar Harbor, waves lapping against sun-warmed rocks, or strolling through seaside towns where the salty air mingles with wafting aromas of fresh blueberry pie.
Golden light stretches across pine-lined trails and tranquil lakes, setting the scene for an invigorating hike or a sunset paddle. Bring your sense of adventure and create unforgettable memories at awe-inspiring parks and along Maine’s shores like Acadia or Wolfe’s Neck. Some trips never leave us: recalled often and savored always. Make them happen here.
FUEL UP WITH YOSAKU
Shoutout to our friends at Yosaku—every Tuesday after training, the boys of Maine refuel with sushi and all kinds of wicked good bites. Fitzy picnics have turned into somewhat of a summer tradition this season.
Yosaku really takes care of the team, and if you haven’t hit up their downtown spot yet…you’re missing out. Dine in, takeout, whatever your need—they’ve got you covered.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…IT’S GONNA BE A HEARTS SUMMAH
We just dropped our second-ever summer merch collection and it’s a gooood one: bucket hats, towels, tees, and a bunch more you’ll want in your rotation.
You can find it all online or at the retail shop—so swing by or hit the site while it lasts.
And just like that—we’re at the end of another newsletter. Kinda wild to think it’s been a whole year of doing these. Last summer, we didn’t even have players. Now? We’re in the thick of our inaugural season, and it’s flying.
Appreciate you being here through all of it. Means more than you know. My gratitude runs deep.
Building community though the beautiful game,
Gabe