The story of Kennedy Park Football Club began with the convergence of two men who shared a love for the sport of soccer. At the time these men met, they were at vulnerable times in their lives. Jon Cross was two months sober after a hard-fought battle against drug addiction. Hany Ramadan had just recently settled to Portland after fleeing the chaotic events occurring in his home country of Sudan. Jon and Hani initially met during a speaking engagement at Deering High School. However, their relationship truly began when they finally became teammates on the USM Men’s soccer team. Along with playing at USM, Hani was a member of Darfur United. A football club established by IACT that represents the people of Darfur, Sudan; through his strong connection with Hani, Jon was able to join the club as an assistant coach. 

After years of playing alongside one another, Jon and Hani’s unwavering love for the game led them to the sunny fields of Los Angeles, CA. During their stay at training camp, they encountered Venice Beach Football Club, a local organization that utilizes soccer to inspire the community and give dreamers a platform to express themselves. Immediately, the duo thought back to the lively pick-up soccer scene in Portland and fantasized how this concept could reinvigorate the city. As soon as Jon and Hani returned to Portland, they set their efforts towards creating an organization that offers players from any walk of life a free-to-play sanctuary to put all worries aside and just enjoy the game of soccer and thus, KPFC was born. 

The mission of the club is to create a constructive environment, empower aspiring prospects, and unite the community all through the universal language of the beautiful game.