Portland Thorns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Portland Thorns Academy?

The Portland Thorns Academy is an elite youth soccer development program affiliated with the Portland Thorns FC, one of the most successful clubs in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Established to nurture the next generation of female soccer talent, the Thorns Academy provides high-level training, coaching, and competition for young athletes aiming to reach collegiate, professional, or national team levels. The academy's curriculum emphasizes technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and mental resilience, all under the guidance of experienced coaches and former professional players. The Portland Thorns Academy is also committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that reflects the club's values and the vibrant soccer culture of Portland. By participating in the Thorns Academy, players gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, exposure to college scouting, and opportunities to interact with Thorns FC first-team players, making it one of the premier youth soccer pathways in the Pacific Northwest.

Who is the owner of the thorns?

The Portland Thorns were originally owned by Peregrine Sports LLC, the same ownership group as the Portland Timbers, led by Merritt Paulson. However, in 2023, following the sale of the Timbers and Thorns, the club transitioned to new ownership. As of 2024, the Portland Thorns FC is owned by the Bhathal family, led by Cindy Parlow Cone, who is associated with the new ownership group. The Bhathals are known for their commitment to women's sports and have invested in the long-term success and growth of the Thorns. Their stewardship is focused on enhancing player welfare, growing the fan base, and maintaining the Thorns' status as a flagship club in the NWSL. With their deep sports management experience and dedication to community engagement, the Thorns' new owners are poised to continue the club's legacy of excellence both on and off the field.

Where do Portland Thorns train?

The Portland Thorns primarily train at the Providence Park facilities in downtown Portland, Oregon. Providence Park is not only the Thorns' home stadium for official NWSL matches, but it also houses state-of-the-art training amenities, including high-quality pitches, modern locker rooms, fitness centers, and recovery areas. This central location allows the Thorns to maximize their preparation with top-tier resources while staying connected to the heart of the Portland soccer community. Additionally, the team occasionally utilizes nearby training grounds, such as the adidas Timbers Training Center in Beaverton, for certain practice sessions and player development activities. These facilities are designed to provide a professional environment that supports high-performance training, injury prevention, and team cohesion. The combination of Providence Park's historic setting and modern infrastructure makes it an ideal training base for one of the NWSL's most successful and popular clubs.

What are some fun facts about the Portland Thorns?

The Portland Thorns are a trailblazing team in women's soccer with several fun facts that highlight their unique legacy. Founded in 2012 as a charter member of the NWSL, the Thorns have consistently boasted some of the highest attendance figures in women's club soccer worldwide, regularly selling out Providence Park with crowds over 20,000. The Thorns were the inaugural NWSL champions in 2013 and have since claimed multiple league titles, making them one of the most successful franchises in league history. The team's passionate fan base, known as the "Rose City Riveters,"

Why are the Portland Thorns called the Thorns?

The Portland Thorns are called the "Thorns"