King Middle School students are participating in a 10-week afterschool program to create their own personalized designs for sports jerseys that reflect the students’ stories and values, thanks to a partnership between the Portland Public Schools, Portland Hearts of Pine, Design FC, and hummel. The program is intended to bridge design and sport by creating a space for students to express themselves, building creative skills through the jersey design process.

Design FC is a design nonprofit that facilitates youth-focused programming around the world, combining the worlds of sport and creativity.

“When we began conversations with Design FC, we knew we wanted to start this programming at King Middle School,” said Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder and chief community officer of Hearts of Pine, Maine’s new professional soccer club. “This collaboration creates an environment where sport, creativity, and self-expression come together in a powerful way, and it felt like a perfect fit for the students at King who share the pitch with our players at Fitzpatrick.”

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Hearts of Pine to include this exciting new afterschool program with Design FC and hummel,” said Superintendent Ryan Scallon. “This creative, hands-on program will enable our students to build concrete skills while also lifting up their voices and magnifying their creative vision.”

Over the course of the program, students will work through the Design FC curriculum with teachers and staff designers from hummel, a German-founded Danish sportswear company, and Hearts of Pine to create unique jerseys that reflective of each student's personal vision.

“Portland Hearts of Pine are one of the most community-oriented clubs in the country, and are a perfect partner to bring Design FC to Maine,” said Oliver Steinglass, Design FC’s CEO. “This partnership will provide youth in Portland with incredible creative opportunities and access to the professional team in their city. We could not be more excited to welcome Hearts of Pine to our creative family.”

Bringing this renowned programming to students at King Middle School has been made possible thanks to hummel, Hummel is providing apparel, materials, and $12,000 in funding for the program.

"At hummel we work daily to bring our company karma into play. The opportunity to partner with Hearts and Design FC to empower young people in the Portland community through this design program was an easy decision for our team." said Conor Caloia, president of hummel North America.  "We can't wait to see the creative work that comes from these budding designers at King Middle School."

King Middle School hosted the first session on February 9, 2026, with students starting the first exploratory stages of the design process.

Hearts of Pine also partners with the Portland Public Schools in running its Portland Soccer Project at East End and Talbot elementary schools. The free after-school program helps kids develop skills in conflict resolution, self-regulation, leadership, and teamwork, all through the game of soccer.