If you’re a certified soccer sicko, you’re likely looking for something to watch between games. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Here are three New England-specific documentaries that will keep you entertained.
Episode 5 Of Up The Hearts
There’s some bias here, as I was fortunate enough to be part of this project, which chronicles the inaugural season of Portland Hearts of Pine. The most recent episode tells the story of the club’s first-ever game at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
The momentous occasion was the product of extensive planning, so it was special to relive the pregame “Heart Beat” and how fans supported the team after they conceded just two minutes in.
The episode really affirms the value of lower-division soccer.
Best Line: “There’s not a lot of moments in life when you can feel together and united and connected with 6,000 people. I feel like that’s what we’re all going to be feeling tonight. It’s pretty special, and really, that’s what the Hearts of Pine Soccer Club is all about."
Hearts of Maine: The Portland Soccer Project
This short documentary tells the story of a soccer-based program at East End Community School in Portland, ME. The Portland Soccer Project uses the Beautiful Game to teach elementary students about skills, much like the Rosati Leadership Academy.
It was great to see participants engage in meaningful conversations. It was also nice to see Hearts players work closely with the future soccer stars.
Best Line: “This program doesn’t exist to create professional soccer players. This program exists to give kids opportunities. This program exists to help kids reach their full potential as people.”
Because Soccer: New England Road Trip Edition
Because Soccer has spent the last 18 months experiencing soccer in twenty countries. Now they’re looking to highlight what’s happening in North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
First up is New England.
Over the course of 80 minutes, the host tells stories about the Fall River Marksmen, CD Faialense, New England Mutiny, and more. Resident historian Frank Dell’Apa of the Boston Globe is one of the many voices that appear in the documentary.
Best Line: “I think New England brought…something to build on, a foundation.”