Portland Thorns and Bank of America Unite to Expand Soccer Access in the Community

Portland Thorns and Bank of America Join Forces for Community Soccer Access

The Portland Thorns have announced an exciting new partnership with Bank of America, aimed at expanding community access to soccer for families, youth, and businesses across the Portland region. This multi-year collaboration underscores a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community by leveraging the powerful influence of sports.

One of the key components of this partnership is the Soccer with Us initiative, Bank of America’s signature community program dedicated to increasing youth participation in soccer. By working alongside the Thorns, this program seeks to overcome barriers to access, ensuring that children in Portland can experience the game of soccer in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Alexis Lee, President of Business Operations for the Portland Thorns, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration. She remarked, "Bringing together two of Portland's most established institutions allows us to make a significant impact on a larger scale. With initiatives like Soccer with Us, youth clinics, and our 'My First Game' experience, we're opening doors for more kids and families to enjoy soccer. Bank of America is back with substantial resources, making this partnership vital."

Throughout the season, Bank of America will sponsor various youth clinics, providing young soccer players with access to top-notch coaching and interaction opportunities. Moreover, this partnership will support the Thorns' My First Game experience, which helps introduce new fans to the club, ensuring that families can attend games at the iconic Providence Park for the first time.

Additionally, Bank of America's branding will feature on the Thorns' training kits, worn by the players during practice sessions. This visibility underscores the depth of the partnership and both organizations' commitment to the community.

Marc Compton, the managing director of Bank of America's Private Bank in Oregon and Southwest Washington, affirmed, "The Portland Thorns represent a source of pride and inspiration throughout our region. They are not just a cultural icon; they embody the transformative power of women’s sports to create enduring economic benefits that uplift local businesses and enhance Portland’s vibrancy. Together, we aim to forge pathways for young people in Portland to learn, grow, and envision big dreams for their futures."

The influence of women’s sports continues to grow, and this partnership is also dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs. Programs like the Game Ball Delivery and the Playmakers of Portland will promote local business leaders and create entrepreneurial opportunities within the community.

Founded in 2012, the Portland Thorns are a global figure in women’s soccer, characterized by unparalleled fan support, championship triumph, and a commitment to excellence. The Thorns lead the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in average attendance for 2025 and have claimed a record three NWSL Championships and two NWSL Shields. As they look forward into the future, the Thorns are dedicated to continuing their legacy of success and community engagement.

Bank of America stands as one of the world's foremost financial institutions, providing a comprehensive range of banking, investing, and asset management services. With nearly 70 million clients across 3,500 financial centers and award-winning digital finance solutions, Bank of America is well-positioned to support a diverse array of community initiatives. The collaboration with the Thorns represents a convergence of sports and community activism, demonstrating how financial resources and local engagement can lead to significant change.

This partnership is poised to elevate the game of soccer in Portland, benefitting families and nurturing the next generation of athletes. As the collaboration unfolds, the community can anticipate exciting developments in youth soccer access, empowering individuals of all backgrounds through the beautiful game.