Sacramento, Calif. – On Thursday, November 7, Sacramento Republic FC, dedicated its first community futsal court project in the greater Sacramento region, constructed to inspire the next generation to focus on health through sports, create connected communities through teamwork, and provide safe, fun spaces to gather.
With the support of Councilmember Jay Schenirer, the Sacramento City Unified School District, and the La Familia Counseling Center, Republic FC and Bank of America revitalized two unused tennis courts and created a new space for athletes, young and old, to practice their favorite game, as well as encourage healthy competition with neighbors and friends.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Bank of America and encourage more play in neighborhoods around Sacramento,” said Republic FC President Ben Gumpert. “These courts will provide a new home for people of all ages to come together around the beautiful game – as well as bring a focus on health, fun, and community pride.”
Republic FC and Bank of America partnered to revive the courts with fresh asphalt, permanent soccer goals, and a coat of Old Glory Red paint. The Maple Park Futsal Courts are ready for the public to use for free. Futsal is a fast-paced, small-sided (typically five vs. five) version of soccer. Played on indoor and outdoor courts with a smaller soccer ball, and without walls – unlike indoor soccer, gameplay features a focus on sharp technical skills, quick thinking and pace, and the same camaraderie found on pitches across the world.
“To partner with a community-focused group like Sacramento Republic FC and to support initiatives that inspire play was a no-brainer,” said Bank of America Market President Matt McCormack. “These courts are more than just a place to play futsal. They’re opportunities for our youth to stay healthy, socialize and have fun exercising outdoors. This is just the beginning of a growing partnership between Bank of America and SRFC as well as the city of Sacramento and soccer’s bright future in Sacramento.”
The new futsal courts sit across from the Maple Neighborhood Center, a once-shuttered school site, reactivated initially by three nonprofits who use the site to extend and improve their programming. In partnership with Republic FC, La Familia Community opened play on the court with a special mini-camp for youth who spend time at the Maple Neighborhood Center. The club also plans to host future events including tournaments, community clinics and more.
“I am so excited to turn this blighted and unused space into a community asset – which the neighborhood sorely needs,” said Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer. “Instead of a court of overgrown weeds, we can grow our future MLS stars.”
From the professional pitch to public parks and beyond, the club’s core mission is to make California’s Capital Region into the most inspiring, energetic and rewarding place to live, work and play through the beautiful game.
