We read about the growth of the game, we discuss the possible impact of the World Cup and we tell ourselves that yes, the game is spreading its roots across the country and the growth is real. But every now and then a story comes along which doesn't just validate that feeling but which hits different.

It is less than three years since Portland Hearts of Pine were formed but the USL 1 club has been such a huge success that they are already planning a new stadium, almost doubling capacity to capture the extraordinary demand for the club in Maine.

This week the club announced they had agreed to purchase a portion of Cassidy Point on Portland’s peninsula with the long-term vision of building a 9,000–11,000 seat soccer-specific stadium to act as permanent home for the club’s men’s and women’s teams.

The FAQ posted by the club answers the question as to why this was needed and why their 5.500 seater Fitzpatrick Stadium is no longer suitable for their plans:

With a season ticket base over 4,000 people for our men’s team (plus a waitlist of an additional 8,000 people hoping to buy season tickets in the future), and 5,000 season ticket deposits placed within an hour for the future women’s team, demand for professional soccer in Maine has already outgrown the capacity of Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Incredible numbers for a third tier club and data which will give hope to scores of investors across the country who hope they too can build a club from scratch which truly connects with their community.