Throughout September, Republic FC and founding partner UC Davis Health are teaming up to drive awareness and raise funds for patients and families affected by childhood cancer. Today, the partners unveiled the Superhero Keeper Kit – a custom-designed jersey that will be worn by Republic FC goalkeepers for the club’s three remaining matches this month and will be auctioned off at the end of the month to benefit the Super Fritz & Friends Fund.
“We are proud to once again team up with UC Davis Health to honor the children and families that are facing this terrible disease and celebrate the Indomitable spirit that they show every day,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “There are so many ways that the community can support people affected by childhood cancer, and we are grateful to have the platform to provide various opportunities for our fans to get involved.”
“We are thankful for the partnership with Republic FC and the chance to raise awareness about childhood cancer,” said Joseph Galante, UC Davis Health Interim Chief Medical Officer. “Our pediatric cancer patients and their families face many challenges throughout their journeys. We are grateful for this opportunity to help raise funds to assist them along the path to remission.”
The kit was developed by Fritz Stark, a childhood cancer survivor, and signed by patients receiving care through Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance. Printed in gold – the signature color for childhood cancer awareness – special hand-drawn elements include a soccer ball, goalkeeper glove, and cancer awareness ribbons. For the month of September, the club’s crest is replaced by a special “Superhero” star positioned over the heart.
A public auction for the kits will be opened later in the month with proceeds benefitting the Super Fritz & Friends fund.
Fritz was diagnosed with Leukemia at age two and went on to receive treatment at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. During his treatment, Fritz was given the nickname “Super Fritz” after continuously displaying a can-do and energetic attitude. To show their gratitude for his care, Fritz’s parents and friends established the Super Fritz & Friends fund in 2019 to subsidize a new staff position that would enhance resources for families battling pediatric cancer. The fund met its original goal in November 2021, and now works to fund additional services – including lodging assistance, insurance coordination, and financial aid for essential needs like groceries and transportation.
At Republic FC’s September 20 home match against New Mexico United, the club will host Superhero Night presented by UC Davis Health to celebrate the true superheroes – the children and families fighting childhood cancer every day and the healthcare workers that are there every step of the way. Special elements will be added throughout the night, including in-stadium appearances from favorite superheroes and a memorable Starting XI. As a special nod to Super Fritz himself, the club is teaming up with UC Davis Health to giveaway a co-branded superhero cape for the first 1,000 fans in attendance. On the field, the club will switch its nets and corner flags to gold, while the Superhero Keeper Kit will be on full display in front of the club’s home fans.
Additionally, Republic FC has activated a ticket giveback program that will run the entire month of September, donating $1 from every ticket sold through September 30 to the Super Fritz & Friends Fund. Tickets for the remainder of the regular season are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
Republic FC is back in action this Saturday, hosting El Paso Locomotive FC on Noche Latina powered by SMUD. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets. The match will also be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com, and the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streaming on ESPN+.
