It’s early August and nearly every park and school in Sacramento is bustling with activity and energy. No, it’s not the first day of school yet, but as the calendar turns the first day of the region’s youth soccer season is upon us. At the forefront of Sacramento’s soccer scene: Land Park Soccer Club who just renewed its Youth Club Partnership with Republic FC. Founded in 1978, LPSC is one of Sacramento’s largest youth clubs with over 1,000 players and 80 teams.
Together, the two clubs are doubling down on their commitment to developing a love for the game of soccer both on and off the field. Through the Youth Club Partnership program presented by Crystal Creamery, LPSC continues to receive access valuable resources provided by Republic FC, including coaching education, training sessions & camps, and exclusive experiences with first team and academy players, as well as oversight of programs for some of the youngest players in the region (U6 & potentially U4).
We sat down with a few of Land Park’s board members to talk about why they’re excited about this partnership and their vision for the future of Land Park Soccer Club.
What’s exciting about this partnership?
Sam Lamb, LPSC President: “This provides us with additional resources, access to things that some of these kids wouldn’t normally be able to do – like going out to games and meeting players and working with great trainers.”
Mike Perez, LPSC Vice President: “There’s an opportunity for the kids to have real training, additional training from professional trainers and players. And partnering with Republic FC gives us an opportunity to shed light on the huge soccer community in Sacramento and give it a bigger spotlight.”
Where do you see Land Park Soccer Club in the next few years?
Anthony Carrillo, LPSC Coaching Coordinator: “I think that in three years, we’re going to be a substantially larger organization than we are now. From a coaching standpoint, this partnership will help us further the development of our coaches, with more education and curriculum, which will provide them with the resources to better develop our players.”
Sam Lamb: “A very strong U-6 & U-8 program, where we’re really cultivating those younger players and their education in soccer. We’ve already done that to some success by giving them a place to play, and with Sac Republic’s help, we hope to help these kids develop soccer skills earlier on.”
Mike Perez: “Tons of opportunity in the community for kids of all cultures to play. We feel that our relationship with Sac Republic will be the pinnacle of that – it’s going to give us more exposure and entice more families to join our community.”
What are some of the “off the field” benefits of this Youth Club Partnership?
Mike Perez: “It’s all about the fun. Bring as much fun as you can because the kids will have a great time.”
Anthony Carrillo: “These young players are the next generation of Republic FC fans. Developing a love of the game, both as players and as supporters, can reach a whole other level for years to come.”
Sam Lamb: “Overall, the additional exposure is huge for us. Not just us introducing Sac Republic to our players, but Sac Republic sharing LPSC with their network will be a big benefit.”