Earlier this season, Republic FC and club partner AARP teamed up, committing to honor local heroes whose community service and selfless acts showcased best the indomitable spirit of the Sacramento region. Saturday, during the final regular season match against San Diego Loyal SC, the club honored the winner on the pitch.
Selected by a joint panel of representatives from Republic FC and AARP Sacramento, Dwight Roberts was named the winner of the 2022 AARP Community Hero award. For three years running, Roberts has voluntarily served as a mentor to young men through golf – putting on a free camp each summer for at-risk African American youth in the region at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. He not only teaches those looking to learn the game, but serves as a crucial sounding board for young people experiencing a lot of challenges, and may not have a father-figure.
“I feel like if I can serve them, I can help benefit them,” said Roberts earlier this summer. “You want to change their lives. When you see how they’re living, you want them to do better. A lot of these kids who fall into these pits are so smart, so intelligent and are so talented. They just don’t see it – that their talent alone can take them further than most people will ever go.”
In addition to his teaching and mentorship, Roberts also covers all the equipment expenses for those who participate – breaking down a big barrier to entry into a hobby, and bright light in his life, for others. For him, the camp is a simple way to pass along support he received during a challenging time in his own life, when another longtime player at Haggin Oaks took him under his wing.
Republic FC will kick off their 8th USL Championship playoff campaign with a home match against New Mexico United this Saturday, October 22. Kickoff at Heart Health Park is set for 7:00 p.m., and tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of half-priced drink specials. Fans can access the stadium an extra thirty minutes early, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The first 5,000 people through the gates will receive a Republic FC cheer card.
