Portland, ME—From the logo and kits that garnered global headlines to a sold-out inaugural season that broke league attendance merchandise records and a team advancing through to the semifinals, Portland Hearts of Pine has become one of the most talked-about stories in American soccer. Now, that story is being told in full in a 350 page book chronicling the team’s launch and inaugural season.
Told through the lenses, pens, and paintbrushes of the many contributors that have helped bring the club to life, this book captures the people, the moments, and the community that have defined the club’s first years. Produced in collaboration with Glory Studio, the U.K.-based football publication known for covering the game in its most remote corners of the globe brings an unmatched perspective and intimacy to this anthology.
Inside are stories from the club’s inner circle and special guest contributions from:
- Amy Bass, Emmy Award-winning writer and author of One Goal
- Nina MacLaughlin, The Boston Globe columnist and author of Wake, Siren
- Pablo Bayona-Sapag, Editor-in-Chief of ClubEleven
- Griffin Sherry, songwriter and performer of The Ghost of Paul Revere, shares an exclusive look at the origin of “The Ballad of the 20th of Maine,” the adopted anthem sung before every Hearts of Pine match by the supporters group Dirigo Union.
- Readers will also discover insights into the handmade buoys awarded to every Man of the Match — a uniquely Maine tradition led by the supporters’ group — along with other contributions from the community that has embraced the club at every turn.
Pre-orders are now live at shop.heartsofpine.com, for shipment in mid-December 2025.
PUR bound, printed on premium silk paper stock, and totaling 350 pages, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves the beautiful game—and all those who have their hearts in Maine.
The book caps a remarkable debut season in which Hearts of Pine shattered expectations and set new benchmarks for grassroots soccer in the U.S.:
- Sold out every home match and breaking the league’s single game attendance.
- Garnered features in SoccerBible, Copa90, AdAge, The Boston Globe, Goal.com, ESPN, Men in Blazers and lifestyle publications such as Huckberry Journal
- Sold 20,000+ jerseys to over 30 countries and all 50 states
- Finished in 7th in the league, advancing to the league semifinals and ultimately losing on penalties
- Collaborated with brands including L.L.Bean, Hummel, and Visit Maine, achieving multiple kit of the year mentions across global football media for both the jerseys themselves and the storytelling surrounding their release campaigns
From the team that has turned design and storytelling into a language of belonging, this book is a love letter to Maine, to football, and to everyone who believed in the club before it existed — and to the many more who have fallen in love along the way.
ABOUT GLORY
Produced by Glory Studio, the U.K.-based football collective that has spent a decade traveling the globe—from Kosovo to Cagliari—shining a light on clubs and communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Founded in 2015 to capture football in the most remote corners of the world’s game, Glory has grown into an award-winning, globally recognized publisher, stocked in over 70 countries and awarded Best Sports Magazine in 2023. Their experience telling stories in the farthest corners of the football world brings unmatched perspective and intimacy to this book. glory.studio
ABOUT HEARTS OF PINE
Portland Hearts of Pine is a professional soccer club that reflects the character of Maine and drives economic, community, and cultural value. The club strives to be a reflection of the diverse communities and cultures of Maine, blending design, storytelling, and belonging under the motto: Lead With Your Heart. heartsofpine.com# # #