2020 was a year unlike any other that featured some difficult moments but it was a year that also brought out the best in so many around Sacramento.
From the initiatives the club was a part of prior to the pandemic putting the season on hold, to the community endeavors that displayed the California Capital’s indomitable spirit during the toughest of times, Republic FC was committed to supporting everyone in need. The Indomitable Club stood up for social rights and will continue to fight the battle for positive social change and inclusivity for all – a stance woven into the very fabric of the club.
2020 was a year unlike any other that featured some difficult moments but it was a year that also brought out the best in so many around Sacramento.
From the initiatives the club was a part of prior to the pandemic putting the season on hold, to the community endeavors that displayed the California Capital’s indomitable spirit during the toughest of times, Republic FC was committed to supporting everyone in need. The Indomitable Club stood up for social rights and will continue to fight the battle for positive social change and inclusivity for all – a stance woven into the very fabric of the club.
After a tumultuous campaign that included a hiatus longer than the actual offseason, it’s time to look back on Republic FC’s five most memorable contributions off the field that offered so much more to the local community than the successful matchday results on it.
After a tumultuous campaign that included a hiatus longer than the actual offseason, it’s time to look back on Republic FC’s five most memorable contributions off the field that offered so much more to the local community than the successful matchday results on it.
Indomitable Hands
Indomitable Hands
When the pandemic put the world on pause and quarantine forced everyone to stay home, getting essential groceries was extremely difficult for at-risk seniors. But SRFC wanted to make sure home-bound individuals weren’t stuck without the necessities and teamed up with Raley’s to start the Indomitable Hands program.
When the pandemic put the world on pause and quarantine forced everyone to stay home, getting essential groceries was extremely difficult for at-risk seniors. But SRFC wanted to make sure home-bound individuals weren’t stuck without the necessities and teamed up with Raley’s to start the Indomitable Hands program.
Ready to Eat Bags that contained a mix of freshly cooked and a variety of heat-and-eat entrees and salads to seniors aged 65 and older in self-isolation. Nearly a thousand nominations were received and well over 900 bags were delivered – a total of almost 7,500 meals delivered by over 300 volunteers who selflessly gave over 600 collective hours of their time to help those in need. Over $74,000 was donated to the charitable cause as well, showcasing the Indomitable City’s thoughtfulness for those who could not leave the comforts of home.
Ready to Eat Bags that contained a mix of freshly cooked and a variety of heat-and-eat entrees and salads to seniors aged 65 and older in self-isolation. Nearly a thousand nominations were received and well over 900 bags were delivered – a total of almost 7,500 meals delivered by over 300 volunteers who selflessly gave over 600 collective hours of their time to help those in need. Over $74,000 was donated to the charitable cause as well, showcasing the Indomitable City’s thoughtfulness for those who could not leave the comforts of home.
Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish
Power soccer is a sport that Michael Watson fell in love with the moment he first played the sport and when he wished to one day have his very own chair to play alongside his teammates, Sacramento Republic FC joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to get the teenager his coveted chair.
Power soccer is a sport that Michael Watson fell in love with the moment he first played the sport and when he wished to one day have his very own chair to play alongside his teammates, Sacramento Republic FC joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to get the teenager his coveted chair.
Michael – who plays for Sac Valley Flames – has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has always dreamed of joining his friends to play sports. On September 22 at Republic FC’s training grounds at Consumnes River College, the goalkeeper’s wish was granted as the electric power soccer chair was unveiled to the surprised competitor who thought he was attending training to meet the team. But to his astonishment, Cameron Iwasa brought the new chair to Michael who promptly put it to use in goal to showcase his skills.
Michael – who plays for Sac Valley Flames – has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and has always dreamed of joining his friends to play sports. On September 22 at Republic FC’s training grounds at Consumnes River College, the goalkeeper’s wish was granted as the electric power soccer chair was unveiled to the surprised competitor who thought he was attending training to meet the team. But to his astonishment, Cameron Iwasa brought the new chair to Michael who promptly put it to use in goal to showcase his skills.
Futsal Courts for the Community to Share
Futsal Courts for the Community to Share
Not once but twice since the end of the 2019 USL Championship campaign did the Indomitable Club convert an unused space into the perfect place for kids to safely gather and play futsal.
Not once but twice since the end of the 2019 USL Championship campaign did the Indomitable Club convert an unused space into the perfect place for kids to safely gather and play futsal.
On September 29, Republic FC unveiled its second court in the community – this time at Northgate Park in Natomas. The Carrillo Courts at Northgate Park – named in honor of local soccer coach Arturo “Art” Carrillo – hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that concluded with the kids from Azteca FC breaking in the brand-new courts along with SRFC Academy product Julian Chavez. The artistic design on the courts were created by local artist Marco Estrada whose design incorporates elements of Mexican culture and heritage meant to serve as a reminder of the diversity of our community and our unwavering commitment to learn about different cultures and traditions.
On September 29, Republic FC unveiled its second court in the community – this time at Northgate Park in Natomas. The Carrillo Courts at Northgate Park – named in honor of local soccer coach Arturo “Art” Carrillo – hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that concluded with the kids from Azteca FC breaking in the brand-new courts along with SRFC Academy product Julian Chavez. The artistic design on the courts were created by local artist Marco Estrada whose design incorporates elements of Mexican culture and heritage meant to serve as a reminder of the diversity of our community and our unwavering commitment to learn about different cultures and traditions.
Republic FC Give a Gift to Select FC
Republic FC Give a Gift to Select FC
When vandals sabotaged the storage container housing soccer equipment for a youth soccer team in Stockton, the boys in Old Glory Red made it a priority to visit the squad and turn a negative situation into a positive one.
When vandals sabotaged the storage container housing soccer equipment for a youth soccer team in Stockton, the boys in Old Glory Red made it a priority to visit the squad and turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Head Coach Mark Briggs – along with SRFC players Villyan Bijev and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu – not only gave a pep talk and instructional demonstration to the Select FC players, but the Indomitable Club gifted the youth team an entirely new storage container filled with balls and other soccer equipment after the previous one was robbed and set ablaze.
Head Coach Mark Briggs – along with SRFC players Villyan Bijev and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu – not only gave a pep talk and instructional demonstration to the Select FC players, but the Indomitable Club gifted the youth team an entirely new storage container filled with balls and other soccer equipment after the previous one was robbed and set ablaze.
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and Republic FC President & COO Ben Gumpert both spoke to the team, coaches and parents in attendance – expressing their support for the young squad and showcasing kindness in response to an unfortunate situation.
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and Republic FC President & COO Ben Gumpert both spoke to the team, coaches and parents in attendance – expressing their support for the young squad and showcasing kindness in response to an unfortunate situation.
Building Success with Minority Owned Businesses
Building Success with Minority Owned Businesses
The Indomitable Club is extremely supportive of local businesses in the neighborhood and to prove that very statement, Republic FC wanted to put words into action and financially help support a local shop.
During National Black Business Month, SRFC partnered up with Suncrest Bank and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce to create a crowdsourced program that called on Republic FC supporters to nominate Black-owned businesses. The first-place award was a $5,000 grant that was won by Sugar Coated Cupcakes by way of public voting while Classy Hippie Tea Company took the second-place vote and won $2,500 and third place grants of $1,000 each went to Hundreds Unit, Playmakers Elite and Feed Sacramento Homeless.
The first round was such a success that the Indomitable Club launched a second Republic FC Kickstart – the Republic FC Kickstart LatinX edition to local, LatinX-owned small businesses throughout the region during Hispanic Heritage Month. The first-place award was a $5,000 grant that was won by Custom Fitness while Todo un Poco took the second-place vote and won $2,500 and third place grants of $1,000 each went to Casa de Español, Health Bridges of Northern California, and Paquitas Mexican Grill.
The Indomitable Club is extremely supportive of local businesses in the neighborhood and to prove that very statement, Republic FC wanted to put words into action and financially help support a local shop.
During National Black Business Month, SRFC partnered up with Suncrest Bank and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce to create a crowdsourced program that called on Republic FC supporters to nominate Black-owned businesses. The first-place award was a $5,000 grant that was won by Sugar Coated Cupcakes by way of public voting while Classy Hippie Tea Company took the second-place vote and won $2,500 and third place grants of $1,000 each went to Hundreds Unit, Playmakers Elite and Feed Sacramento Homeless.
The first round was such a success that the Indomitable Club launched a second Republic FC Kickstart – the Republic FC Kickstart LatinX edition to local, LatinX-owned small businesses throughout the region during Hispanic Heritage Month. The first-place award was a $5,000 grant that was won by Custom Fitness while Todo un Poco took the second-place vote and won $2,500 and third place grants of $1,000 each went to Casa de Español, Health Bridges of Northern California, and Paquitas Mexican Grill.
