Around the world, soccer is a way of life for millions of kids—a game they start learning from the time they can walk. But in the United States, the pay-to-play model used by the vast majority of clubs makes elite soccer inaccessible to masses of youngsters. That’s something Kaig Lightner wanted to change when he founded Portland Community Football Club.
“Our mission is to get high quality, affordable soccer to all kids in the Portland area,” says Lightner. PCFC is a youth club with a unique model: any kid who wants to play is welcome. Fees for a season range from $30-$100 (compared with costs in the thousands for elite clubs), but no player is ever turned away for lack of funds.