25th Anniversary – Multicultural Soccer League
The Multicultural League was initially founded in 1999 with the sole purpose to provide our youth of all cultural backgrounds access to a quality competitive soccer environment (League).
The initial founders were:
Olga Acuna - Director of Federal programs / Hillsboro School District.
Dr. Saideth Hahhighi Khochkhou - Operation Officer / Hillsboro School District.
Carlos Monteblanco - Medicaid Case Manager - DHS Clackamas County
Enrique Abad - Dual language Teacher & Coordinator - Aloha High School
Oscar Monteblanco - Hillsboro RUSH / Director of Coaching
Throughout the years, the League has hosted about 700 high school aged players, annually from April to early June, representing three major counties in the Portland area.
Back in 2018, the Multicultural Soccer League merged under the umbrella of Hillsboro RUSH as one of their new Programs. It was a perfect fit, based on the club’s values and community network. It is our goal that the league will continue to thrive and flourish under the Hillsboro RUSH leadership.
It is important to recognize that all income generated by the league goes into a scholarship established two years ago under my grandmother's name, Dora Monteblanco. She was a very influential person in my life, and perhaps the one person who taught me to give back. The scholarship is currently set up to provide financial aid for young female players, ages U11 through U14. However, we are planning to extend this opportunity to the boys' side as well, in the coming years.
As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this League, I want to thank each and every one of you who has played a role within this league in the last 25 seasons. Coaches, school administrators, volunteers and community institutions have all made this possible for our young players to continue to call the Multicultural league, their League. There is a sense of ownership and pride from our players, which speaks highly about the significance of this League today.
Gracias!
Bring Your Team in 2024
Over the past 19 years our league has been quietly growing. Today the league I founded in 1999 includes over 600 youth on 27 teams spread over the three Counties of the Oregon highest population density. We are guided by a five-member Board of Director and supported by strong network of local Schools Districts, Parks and Recreations, teachers, and parents.
The Multicultural League has been very successful in involving a diverse group of students and their families from across the greater Portland area. The organization of the coaching standards and expectations, rules of play, game times and locations and the team recognitions at the end of the tournament have been carried out in a thoughtful and consistent manner. For a group made up of predominantly of so-called “minority” students (Latino, Asian, and Eastern European) an opportunity like this goes a long way in developing a sense of worth and pride in accomplishments earned through hard work.
This is an opportunity not provided elsewhere for these student athletes. Down to the time of the year chosen, it fills a need for the ongoing positive engagement of Portland multicultural youth.
Oscar Monteblanco
Director of Coaches for Hillsboro Rush
ABOUT THE MCL
MCL was founded in 1999
The Original Founders are: Olga Acuna, Enrique Abad, Carlos Monteblanco, and Oscar Monteblanco.
Several of the players have now joined the Coaches rank at the League today, and some are currently coaching for Hillsboro RUSH as well.
We have had schools representing all corners of our State, including Salem and Tillamook Schools. However, our main core has been based in Multnomah, Clackamas, and a large number of schools representing the Washington County School District.
MCL IN THE NEWS
BEAVERTON HUMMER
PARKROSE BRONCOS
The Legacy of Dora T. Monteblanco
Dora "Dorita" T. Monteblanco was a loving, mother, grandmother, and leader in the teacher’s community where she taught for over 30 years. She opened her own K through 12 school in Surco, a suburb of Lima, Peru. She was a mother of five, and a loving wife of 64 years. I would not be where I am today without my grandmother’s support and unconditional love. She taught me how to foster self-confidence, to create lasting friendships, and give back to the community.
My grandmother was an inspiration for many. Her desire to serve those in need was engraved in me from a very early age. Her support during my early years in athletics helped me establish an identity which I still carry today.
Dora T. Monteblanco was born March 7th, 1920 in Lima, Peru. She passed away in October, 2006 in Portland, Oregon.
Her love for her student athletes was well known.
To continue her legacy of supporting and encouraging student athletes, we have created a scholarship in her name to support our Hillsboro Rush young female player's development.