- Twenty percent of proceeds from limited-edition merchandise capsule to benefit The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention young people in LGBTQ+ community
- Club launches pledge campaign, raising funds for Sacramento LGBT Community Center and Playing for Pride with each goal scored by Republic FC in June
- Annual Pride Match to be held June 24, with halftime presentation to award youth scholarship in partnership with the Sacramento LGBT Center
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This month, Republic FC is teaming up with several local and national partners to celebrate Pride Month and recognize the impact of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as shine a light on the organizations that are working tirelessly to support the LGBTQ+ community. Fans can join in the club’s efforts by shopping a special merchandise collection at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com or adding to the Goals for Pride pledge campaign at PledgeIt.org/goals-for-pride. On Saturday, June 24, Republic FC will welcome San Antonio FC for the club’s annual Pride Night match at Heart Health Park.
“Soccer is a game that unites people from all backgrounds and all circumstances, and as a club it is our responsibility to foster a community that is supportive of everyone – both in and out of the stadium,” said Republic FC Executive Vice President of Business Operations Ashley Horsley. “We look forward to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community this month and throughout the year, while also continuing to support those that continue to strive for equality and justice.”
Beginning today, a limited-edition Pride merchandise capsule is available at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com. The line was designed by Nathanio Strimpopulos, a transgender artist and soccer lover who currently serves as the Creative Director for The Trevor Project. At the center of the collection is a scarf featuring messages of love and kindness, as well as some nods to Republic FC’s identity – including the Resilient Red hue and 10 stripes to represent the club’s 10th season celebration. Along with the club’s signature “Indomitable” message, the design includes several uplifting words – such as Acceptance, Joy, Self-Expression, and Respect – unifying messages that are universal to people of all backgrounds and experiences. The Pride Collection also includes a t-shirt and decal.
To support Republic FC’s commitment to promoting and supporting mental health and wellness, as well as bringing awareness to suicide and mental health concerns, 20 percent of proceeds from the Pride Collection will benefit The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people. Throughout the month, the club will also highlight individuals and groups from the region that provide support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Republic FC has also launched a Goals for Pride campaign and will donate $100 for every goal scored by the Indomitable Club in its four matches in June. The campaign will support two organizations that the club has previously teamed up with for LGBTQ-focused initiatives: Athlete Ally and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. Athlete Ally’s annual Playing for Pride campaign works with athletes and teams to utilize their platforms to raise funds to support the organization’s efforts to stand up for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports through education, policy, and legislature. Fans can make their pledge today at PledgeIt.org/goals-for-pride.
As the oldest non-profit specifically serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the area, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center supports the health and wellness of the most marginalized advocate for equality and justice and works to build a culturally rich LGBTQ+ community. On June 11, Republic FC front office and fans will join the LGBT Center’s annual Pride March and Festival through downtown Sacramento.
To close out the month, Republic FC will host its annual Pride Match, highlighting community champions and advocates from the region’s LGBTQ+ community when the club hosts San Antonio FC at Heart Health Park on Saturday, June 24. In addition to special elements symbolic of Pride month – including rainbow nets and corner flags on the pitch – the club will once again team up with the LGBT Center to present a $1,000 scholarship to a local student. Tickets to the match are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
Republic FC is back in action this Saturday, visiting Eastern Conference side Tampa Bay Rowdies. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+. The club is also hosting a watch party for fans to gather and cheer on their favorite team at Nitty’s Cider in East Sacramento. More information is available at SacRepublicFC.com/WatchParty.
For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Pride.
