Verdes FC

Verdes F.C. (previously Hankook Verdes) is a Belizean association football club which competes in the Premier League of Belize. They are currently based in San Ignacio, Belize, a town situated in the district of Cayo, Belize. The club was established in 1976 as Real Verdes Football Club and changed their name to Hankook Verdes in 2004. They are now known only as Verdes F.C, locally being called only Verdes. The club is one of the oldest active professional football teams in Belize and has been in existence since the inception of the Football Federation of Belize. Their home games are played at Norman Broaster Stadium.

The club has established an excellent reputation for the development of many past and current members of the Belize national football team, despite not having won any club championships at the national level until 2008. Verdes F.C. had previously won the amateur Belize National Football Association championship in 1986. In 2004, Hankook Verdes F.C. announced that they would opt out of the Belize Premier Football League due to unprofessional conduct, including late arrivals by officials and the other team, prior to a match against Kulture Yabra. Verdes F.C.'s recent league championships include the opening season of the 2019–20 Premier League of Belize and both seasons of the 2021–22 FFB Top League, where they went undefeated. The club would later win the 2022–23 Closing season.

In 1985, Verdes F.C. was the first team to represent Belize in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. They have appeared in eight editions of the competition and twice in its successor, the CONCACAF Champions League. Throughout the history of Belizean football, Verdes F.C. has represented its country more than any other club in Belize. The list of CONCACAF opponents includes professional teams such as Cruz Azul, UNAM, Santos Laguna, Querétaro (Mexico); Real España, Platense, Pumas UNAH (Honduras); Xelajú, Municipal, Comunicaciones, (Guatemala);San Francisco (Panama); and Luis Ángel Firpo (El Salvador);Arcahaie (Haiti). Verdes F.C. has the most UNCAF Club Tournament appearances of any Belize football club.

Verdes F.C. appeared in three consecutive editions of the CONCACAF League from 2020 to 2022 and were the second Belizean club to participate in the tournament. Their first attempt in 2020 was halted by a COVID-19 outbreak among the players and the need to quarantine in Panama rather than being able to transit to the CONCACAF League venue in Santo Domingo. Their preliminary round match was cancelled and their opponents, Haitian side Arcahaie FC, was awarded a 3–0 walkover victory. In 2022, they became the first Belizean club to win a competitive series in the competition.

Verdes FC is a prominent soccer team based in Belize, known for its vibrant spirit and competitive edge in the national league. Founded in 2012, the club quickly established itself as a powerhouse in Belizean football, showcasing a commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch.

The team's colors, green and white, reflect its name, "Verdes," which means "greens" in Spanish, symbolizing growth, vitality, and a strong connection to the lush landscapes of Belize. Verdes FC plays its home matches at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan, where passionate fans gather to support their team, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Verdes FC is recognized for its strong youth development program, nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for young players to shine. The team's playing style is characterized by dynamic attacking football, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of victory. Over the years, Verdes FC has garnered multiple league titles and cup victories, solidifying its reputation as one of the top clubs in the country.

With a dedicated coaching staff and a roster of skilled players, Verdes FC continues to strive for success in both domestic and regional competitions, aiming to elevate Belizean soccer on the international stage. The club embodies the spirit of community, pride, and resilience, making it a beloved institution in Belizean sports culture.