Soccer in Lewiston–Auburn and Portland is more than a sport. It’s part of the communities’ identity. Both areas have become one of Maine’s strongest soccer hubs, shaped by a mix of long-time local passion and rich cultural influence.

soccer isn’t just played.

It’s lived.

It’s inherited.

It’s shared across cultures and generations.

And it continues to grow, creating a foundation for new opportunities, like Maine Mystics FC, to flourish and represent the region and state at higher levels of the game.

The sport has become a bridge: connecting families, building friendships, and giving young people a shared sense of pride and belonging. On any given day, you can find kids playing on neighborhood courts, teens practicing in local parks, and full stands at high school games.

a Pro-Am Men’s and Women’s Club

A young woman practicing soccer in an indoor sports facility, kicking a soccer ball while balancing on one leg, with cones on the field and advertisements on the wall in the background.

People practicing soccer indoors, with focus on a player's legs and soccer balls on the field.

A female soccer player wearing a blue and black jersey with the number 24, holding a soccer ball inside an indoor soccer field.

Two female soccer players practicing inside a gym. One is juggling the ball while the other observes. Both are wearing UMFW jerseys and athletic gear.

Two women practicing soccer inside an indoor sports facility. One appears to be coaching or instructing the other on dribbling or ball control.

Soccer players in Maine are known for their talent, heart, and a style of play that reflects the state’s personality:

hardworking and gritty.

Soccer has become a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope, showing what’s possible when a community rallies around sport.

Two women playing soccer indoors, competing for the ball on a green field with orange cones nearby.

WHAT LEVEL ARE THE MAINE MYSTICS PLAYING AT?

the semi-professional level within the U.S. soccer pyramid is a tier designed to bridge the gap between high-level amateur play and fully professional leagues.

This level provides competitive, structured play for college athletes, post-collegiate players, and emerging talent seeking to develop in a high-performance environment. Competing in this tier allows the Mystics to showcase Maine’s talent on a broader stage while maintaining strong community roots and accessibility for local players.

men

The Maine Mystics Men will compete in Division I of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)

The UPSL aims to “provide a strong and consistent platform which provides opportunity and projects from the grassroots of the game advancing to the highest levels.” Read more about the UPSL.

WOMEN

The Maine Mystics Women will compete in the East Conference of the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) League.

The UWS aims to “help the collegiate player evolve & enhance their game for fall competition while giving the post-collegiate player a chance to further develop for the professional & international ranks.” Read more about the UWS.