Alright, listen up, yeah? 'Cause Portland Hearts of Pine? They're out here doing things *their* way. And trust, their new kit, made in collaboration with hummel, is a straight-up testament to that. Forget what you think you know about football kits, yeah? This is something else.
They're calling it the "Blaze Kit". And honestly? The name fits. It's loud, it's proud, and it's got a whole lotta heart. I mean, where others go for the usual subtle nods and muted tones, these guys have gone full-on, unapologetic *blaze orange*. Think less "blends in," and more "demands attention." And, importantly, it is a first-of-its-kind in global football.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Orange? Really?" But hold up, because there's a whole lotta context here. This isn't just a colour choice, yeah? It's a statement. It's a love letter to Maine. That vibrant blaze orange isn't just a colour, it's embedded in the DNA of Maine. That fiery hue is something that runs deep in Maine's identity. It's the uniform of protection, a sign of belonging. It’s what you see when you trek through the backroads, whether you are a registered guide, a family taking a hike, or sportsmen and women in the woods.
And get this – the jersey actually meets outdoor safety standards. Seriously! So you could be rocking this kit on the forest floor, strutting your stuff on the runway, *or* cheering on the Hearts at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Now that's what I call versatile.
The design itself is a masterclass in storytelling. It’s the visual manifestation of their name, their ethos. This kit is a marriage of function and identity. You've got this custom blaze-orange camo pattern – because, let’s be real, camouflage is cool, but this ain't about blending in. The beauty is in the details. Hidden within that blaze orange are subtle heart formations. A subtle nod to the name. It’s about roots, yeah? About where they're from, and what they stand for. It is over 50% blaze orange, making it the boldest kit out there.
Now, I’ve seen other clubs dabbling with camouflage, you know? Teams like St. Pauli, Napoli, and even Japan have experimented with it. But nobody's gone this far. Nobody's embraced blaze orange like this. And honestly, that's what makes Hearts of Pine so damn interesting. They're not afraid to be different.
And the imagery? The launch imagery, the photos that go with the kit? They were shot in Aroostook County and across the vast, verdant forests of Maine. It captures the spirit of the people who call these places home. Wild, free, connected to the land. And their values are in every single thread of this jersey. They’re reflecting how recreation here is preservation.
We're not just talking about a jersey. We're talking about a heritage piece. Every single detail is carefully thought out. The back neck features the club's Dirigo Heart, alongside the motto "Lead with Your Heart." Inside the collar? The simple declaration: "The Soccer Club of Maine."
And the partnerships! The Visit Maine brand takes centre stage on the front, a testament to the club's collaboration with the Maine Office of Tourism. And on the sleeve? The iconic L.L.Bean. A brand that embodies outdoor outfitting. A nod to the team’s connection to the area, with a century of experience to influence the design.
Listen, this isn't just a kit launch. It's a marker of how far Hearts of Pine have come. I mean, they sold out their inaugural season, renewed 98 percent of their season tickets for 2026, and they're sitting on a waitlist that's, like, 3,000 people long! That’s serious support.
And the debut? Saturday, September 27th. They’ll be playing against Texoma FC, and the Blaze Kit will be making its first appearance on the pitch. And get this: Hearts are going for their eighth straight unbeaten game. Talk about a team on fire!
From the forest to the football pitch, Portland Hearts of Pine are blazing their own trail. They're leading with their heart, and they're doing it their own damn way. And that, my friends, is something to admire.
You can grab the Blaze Kit now. Head over to shop.heartsofpine.com.
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