Sacramento, Calif. – On Sunday, June 19 Sacramento Republic FC, Black Players for Change (BPC), Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC), U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Center for Fathers and Families and Mutual Assistance Network will come together to celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day. After a two-year revitalization project with support from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Black Players for Change, the Black Women’s Player Collective, and several local partners, the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex unveiled four new futsal courts on site that sat dormant for decades. The new facility has already begun to help energize and activate one of the region’s underserved neighborhoods. Not only will the futsal courts help promote health and wellness through soccer and provide a safe place to play, the complex will create economic development opportunities for local businesses in the surrounding neighborhood.
“The celebration of Juneteenth and Fathers Day landing on the same day this year inspires me on multiple levels,” said Founder and Executive Director of Black Players For Change Quincy Amarikwa. “In my personal experiences growing up, I never saw spaces like these for people who looked like me. But with amazing partners like U.S. Soccer Foundation, MUSCO, BWPC and Republic FC I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity to share and celebrate something as meaningful and impactful as this with my sons. Looking forward to seeing everyone this Sunday!”
“Sunday’s celebration continues the mission and purpose behind the Del Paso Sports Complex, to provide a safe place to play and learn soccer while providing more resources for the community to embrace,” said Republic FC Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick. “We’re incredibly grateful to have partners like U.S. Soccer, BPC, and BWPC , as well as the Center for Fathers and Families and the Mutual Assistance Network in our effort to recognize Juneteenth, as well as the continued work year round to build opportunity for equity in communities around the region.”
“This is going to be a great event for fathers and the community,”: said Center for Fathers and Families Director of Adult Services Terry Moore. “The Center for Fathers and Families is excited to be a part of it!”
Sunday’s celebration is free and open to the public, with special invites from youth and families involved with the Mutual Assistance Network and the Center for Fathers and Families. The festivities will be centered around Juneteenth inspired BBQ menu from Low Slow Rowe, provided by Black Players for Change, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the recently opened futsal courts. Republic FC’s Duke Lacroix – a member of the USL Black Player Alliance, BPC Founder & Executive Director Quincy Amarikwa, Jeremy Ebobisse of the San Jose Earthquakes and local soccer standout Amobi Okugo will join the celebration for free futsal clinics and hop into the pick-up games on the four new courts.
Since the opening of the complex in 2021, Republic FC and Mutual Assistance Network have partnered to provide monthly futsal clinics with kids from the region, expanding access to soccer and engaging activities.
What: Juneteenth & Father’s Day Celebration at Del Paso Heights
When: Sunday, June 19 – 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Del Paso Heights Sports Complex at Robertson Park, 3525 Norwood Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838
