Hammer Futbol Club Now Stationed In West Roxbury

The Hammer Futbol Club, which offers urban soccer players the opportunity to play the game at the highest level, has begun calling Millennium Park home.

Hank George, a former professional player both in Boston and overseas in Greece and a three-time All-American at Southern Connecticut State University, directs the club. Five boys' and five girls' teams compete in New England's elite Maple League.

What makes the HFC of particular note, however, is its high number of urban-based players and its mission to take on players who may otherwise not see the opportunity to play youth soccer at the highest level.

"This was my goal," George explained. "Maple soccer has always predominantly featured suburban kids. It's never really reached out to international or inner-city kids. They've got to be better involved, so we reached out. About 30 percent of these kids are from West Roxbury and the area, but the other 70 percent are from Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, and the like."

The club's Technical Director of Goaltending – Carter Jordan, a Chestnut Hill resident who lives right off of the VFW Parkway – strongly believes in George's vision.

"Hank's dream of building an urban and diverse club bringing in all backgrounds is 10 years ahead of the curb," Jordan said. "It's very cool to see kids from all over play together at this level. He's helping to build the game in the urban setting."

Jordan joined HFC this season, after it made the move to Millennium Park.

"I reached out to Hank and he told me about the mission of getting kids without the money into club soccer, which is usually a middle class game," Jordan said. "I'm very happy to be a part of it."

Because of the high-cost of the Maple League, the HFC pays for roughly 80 percent of its players to compete through fundraising and donations.

"Our friends help the players who can't otherwise afford it," George said.

While the club continues to fulfill its mission as it expands into West Roxbury, George and Carter are quick to thank Parkway Youth Soccer and Parkway United Soccer for allowing the club to share a home field.

"The Parkway has been really, really gracious," Carter said.

"They've been very kind to us," George said. "They've embraces us, shared our ideas, and seen the benefits of our work. The camaraderie is really something we appreciate."