Our story

It started with a dream and a ball

Founded in 2024 in Salem, Oregon — from a simple idea: use soccer to bring people together, create opportunities, and build a place where everyone can feel that they belong.

The story began with a group of players from refugee backgrounds who shared one thing in common: a love for soccer.

Working in the nonprofit and refugee community, Jules Lipanda saw first-hand that people arrive in the United States carrying different stories, cultures, challenges, experiences and dreams. Soccer became a way to bring those differences together.

Salem Panthers FC was created to provide a safe, welcoming and peaceful space where players could express themselves through the game while connecting with the greater Salem community. What started with a small group has grown into a diverse and competitive club representing more than thirteen nationalities.

Today Salem Panthers FC competes in the UPSL Premier — Oregon Conference, and continues to grow both on and off the field.

Our mission

To unite people through soccer by creating opportunities, developing players, celebrating diversity, and building a stronger community where everyone has a place to belong.

How it started

One idea, one group of players

Salem Panthers FC began as a dream. With his own refugee background and experience working in the nonprofit community, Jules understood that refugees and immigrants often arrive with very different life experiences.

Some come carrying difficult stories. Others are searching for opportunity, friendship, community, or simply a place where they feel accepted. Soccer has a unique ability to break down those barriers.

You do not have to speak the same language. You do not have to come from the same country. You do not have to have the same story. Once the game begins, everyone understands the ball.

That belief helped inspire the creation of Salem Panthers FC in 2024. The goal was not simply to create another soccer team. It was to create a platform where talented players could compete, where different cultures could come together, and where the Salem community could connect with people from around the world.

Building the club has required personal sacrifice, financial investment, time and a long list of challenges overcome. But seeing players smile, communities connect and people believe in the vision has made the journey worthwhile. And the story is only beginning.

Ownership & founders

The people behind the club

Jules Lipanda

FOUNDER, PRESIDENT & OWNER

Jules Lipanda

🇺🇸 United States

Jules Lipanda is the Founder, President and Owner of Salem Panthers FC. He founded the club in 2024 with a vision of using soccer to create opportunities, build community, and provide a place where players from refugee, immigrant and local backgrounds could come together and pursue their goals. What began as an idea to create a safe and competitive environment through soccer has grown into a club representing players from many different countries and backgrounds.

As President and Owner, Jules oversees the overall direction, development, operations, partnerships and long-term vision of the club. His goal is to keep building Salem Panthers FC beyond a soccer team — an organization that develops players, supports the community, creates opportunities for young people, and represents Salem at a high competitive level.

Our journey

Milestones so far

  1. 2024

    A dream and a group of players

    Salem Panthers FC starts as an idea: use soccer to bring people together. The first group is built around players from refugee backgrounds who share one thing — a love for the game.

  2. 2024

    The first roster comes together

    Word spreads through the Salem community. Players arrive from Congo, Mexico, Tanzania, Gambia, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond. Nobody needs a shared language once the ball rolls.

  3. January 2025

    Officially in the UPSL

    Salem Panthers FC is accepted into the United Premier Soccer League, competing in the Oregon Conference of the Premier division.

  4. 2025

    A full competitive season

    The club completes its first UPSL campaign. Fifteen appearances for the core group, a settled matchday routine and a growing crowd on the sideline.

  5. 2026

    More than a club

    Fourteen nationalities in one changing room. The next chapter: a women’s and girls program, youth pathways and deeper community work across Salem.

Our vision

Bigger than one team

We want to develop a sustainable soccer organization that represents Salem and creates opportunities for generations to come.

  • 01Expand the men’s program
  • 02Create a women’s and girls program
  • 03Develop opportunities for younger players
  • 04Provide pathways for talented players to reach higher levels
  • 05Create community soccer programs
  • 06Build stronger partnerships with local businesses
  • 07Increase community outreach
  • 08Grow the fan and supporter base

This is bigger than soccer. This is about people.

Meet the team Support the club