The inaugural season for the Portland Cherry Bombs FC in USL W League is over, but they made a lasting impact. From their bright merch, ties to punk rock, and not too shabby play on the pitch, Cherry Bombs made a loud entrance and left us wanting more - we reached out to the club to find out all about them!

Tell us the origin story of Cherry Bombs FC - when was it founded? By whom and what is its mission?
The club was created to be more than a team. It was built as a platform to amplify women's voices, celebrate creative expression, and challenge the traditional sports model.

Inspired by Portland's rich history of activism, independent art, and the riot grrrl movement, the Cherry Bombs were born with a simple mission: build an environment where women's sports, culture, and community collide. From day one, the goal has been to create a space that is unfiltered, unapologetic, and accessible to everyone who believes sport can be a force for change.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to the community?
As a new club, our badge and colors are being introduced alongside our inaugural season. The visual identity draws inspiration from Portland's punk roots, DIY art scene, and the explosive energy of the Pacific Northwest music culture.

The badge reflects rebellion, creativity, and collective power. Our colors are bold, loud, and impossible to ignore, intentionally standing apart from the traditional visual language often associated with women's sports. Every element was designed to reflect the artists, musicians, activists, and supporters who make Portland unique.

What league or leagues does your club participate in and why did you choose those to join?
The Cherry Bombs will compete in the USL W League beginning in 2026. We chose the USL W League because it provides a strong pathway for elite players, while also emphasizing community engagement and long-term growth for the women's game.

The league's commitment to expanding opportunities for women aligns with our own mission to create meaningful opportunities both on and off the field. We are excited to help grow the sport in Portland while competing against some of the best talent in the country.

How does the club stay funded and how can our readers support you?
Like many independent clubs, support comes from a combination of ticket sales, merchandise, community partnerships, sponsorships, and fan engagement. What makes Cherry Bombs FC different is our focus on working with brands, artists, and organizations that genuinely align with our values.

Supporters can help by attending matches, purchasing merchandise, sharing our story, becoming partners, and investing their time and energy in the community we're building. Every ticket purchased and every piece of merch worn helps strengthen an independent club committed to advancing women's sports and access.

How did you finish last year and what are your goals for the 2026 season?
As 2026 will be our inaugural season, our focus is on building a strong foundation both on and off the field.

Of course we want to compete and win, but success in year one is about more than results on the pitch. We want to create an unforgettable matchday experience, establish deep connections throughout Portland, provide opportunities for players to thrive, and prove that an independent women's club can become a cultural force in its community.

How does Cherry Bombs FC participate in or give back to their community?
Community involvement is central to everything we do. The Cherry Bombs are committed to supporting women-led businesses, artists, musicians, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations throughout Portland.

One of the ways we're putting that commitment into action is through our partnership with Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, our inaugural jersey sponsor. Ten percent of all Cherry Bombs jersey sales will be donated directly back to PPCW, allowing supporters to invest in both women's sports and access to essential healthcare services in our community.

Whether it's collaborating with local creators, highlighting community initiatives, creating accessible opportunities for young athletes, or using our platform to elevate important causes, we believe a soccer club should actively contribute to the place it calls home.

Our goal is not simply to represent Portland but to help shape its future by creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and investing in the people and organizations making a difference every day.

If there were one or two teams, within a 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
We'd love to see a friendly against the Portland Thorns reserves or a local all-star side featuring top talent from across the region. Any opportunity to showcase women's soccer in front of new audiences and celebrate the incredible talent throughout the Pacific Northwest would be exciting.

More than anything, we'd want a match that feels like a community event—something that brings together players, supporters, artists, and local organizations in the same spirit that inspired the Cherry Bombs from the beginning.

Follow Cherry Bombs FC on Instagram HERE