Irreverent Riot Grrrls: Inside Portland Cherry Bombs FC

Portland Cherry Bombs FC may be new, but they already know exactly who they want to be.GM Courtney Schmidt and Head Coach Janine Sparra join The PitchGrid to discuss creating a women’s club from scratch, building community support, Portland soccer culture, women’s soccer pathways, and why representation matters both on and off the field.This episode goes beyond soccer and into what building something meaningful actually looks like.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Cherry Bombs FC02:06 Season Overview and Initial Impressions05:04 Community Engagement and Youth Impact07:24 Unique Game Experiences and Fan Reactions09:57 Merchandising Success and Brand Identity12:38 Challenges of a New Team15:20 Understanding the League Structure17:47 Recruitment and Player Dynamics20:30 Community Relationships and Accessibility23:07 Defining Success in Year One25:39 Team Philosophy and Coaching Approach27:29 Building Team Culture and Support29:35 Embracing Portland's Soccer Heritage31:23 The Unique Spirit of Portland32:46 Creating Pathways for Women in Soccer34:32 The Role of Community in Soccer35:34 Lessons from Early Matches38:01 Navigating the Challenges of Running a Club39:47 Opportunities in Women's Soccer Today45:56 The Impact of the World Cup on Women's Sports