Hankook Verdes

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.

Hankook Verdes FC is a prominent soccer team based in Belize, known for its vibrant spirit and competitive edge in the national league. Founded in 2010, the club has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in Belizean football, consistently showcasing a blend of local talent and strategic gameplay. The team's colors, green and white, symbolize their commitment to growth and unity, reflecting the lush landscapes of Belize.

Hankook Verdes plays its home matches at the Estadio Norman Broaster in San Ignacio, where passionate fans gather to support their team with unwavering enthusiasm. The club's name, "Verdes," translates to "greens" in Spanish, representing not only their colors but also their dedication to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Under the guidance of skilled coaching staff, Hankook Verdes has developed a reputation for nurturing young players and promoting a strong team ethos. The club's mission extends beyond the pitch, as they actively participate in community outreach programs, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes in Belize.

With a history of competitive success, including multiple league titles and cup victories, Hankook Verdes FC continues to strive for excellence, making a significant impact on the soccer landscape in Belize and beyond. Whether on the field or in the community, Hankook Verdes embodies the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and passion for the beautiful game.