The 2026-27 academic year at the University of Southern Maine (USM) begins with the official kickoff of its partnership with Hearts of Pine, giving students new ways to connect with the professional soccer club through community outreach, hands-on experience, and the game of soccer.
USM became the exclusive education partner of Hearts of Pine in April 2026, bringing together two organizations with a shared belief that Maine’s future is stronger when we invest in its people, purpose, and place.
With Fitzpatrick Stadium just a short walk from USM’s Portland campus, the partnership offers students direct access to a professional soccer club in their own community. Internship opportunities will give students real-world experience beyond the classroom while helping them build relationships with professionals in the club and across the broader soccer community.
USM will make more than 270 tickets available to students through giveaways throughout the academic year, culminating in an opportunity for Huskies to take over Section 101 at a match in early spring 2027. The first chance to win tickets will come Sept. 9 at Husky Fest, where students can participate in a soccer-related challenge and meet Hearts of Pine players.
“Partnerships like this one create meaningful opportunities for our students to connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the world around them,” said USM President Jacqueline Edmondson. “I hope our students will find inspiration from Hearts of Pine. These are experiences that can expand a student’s sense of what’s possible, right here in the community we call home.”
As part of their welcome to USM, this year’s cohort of Promise Scholars attended the Hearts of Pine match on Aug. 29, where Promise alum Alain Igiraneza ’25 also sang the national anthem.
“We’re excited to have USM students in the stands, and soon actively involved, bringing the creativity, talent, and perspective of the next generation of professionals into the club,” said Hearts of Pine Founder and Chief Community Officer Gabe Hoffman-Johnson. “This partnership is what Hearts of Pine is all about — it strengthens our ties to the community as we continue building something that reflects the energy and spirit of Maine.”
Several USM alumni are already part of the Hearts of Pine story — working for the club or contributing their talents in other ways, from front-office roles to freelance photography. Read more about their journeys on Pack Chat.
Students interested in purchasing Hearts of Pine merchandise can show their USM ID for 10% off at the club store. Soon, students will also be able to find select Hearts of Pine merchandise at the USM Bookstore.
Explore everything the Hearts x Huskies partnership has to offer here.