Republic FC isn’t just a soccer team; it’s a community powerhouse. Through a series of impactful events and initiatives in September, the club has continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to making a difference in Sacramento. From recognizing the resilience of 988 Lifeline operators with Damia Viader, to supporting a first-generation college student’s mission to improve mental health care for the Hispanic and Latino community through the El Futuro Scholarship, and even empowering individuals to achieve peak performance with G6 Performance Training, Republic FC has shown that its reach extends far beyond the soccer field.
Damia Viader and Republic FC give back to 988 Lifeline operators
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Republic FC made a special visit to WellSpace Health to give back to the dedicated employees that operate the 988 Suicide and Crisis Center. Along with defender Damia Viader, the club surprised operators with gifts of flowers, Republic FC gear, and tickets to an upcoming match.
El Futuro Scholarship: First-Generation College Student Wants to Impact Region’s Mental Health Care for Hispanic & Latino Community
On Noche Latina, Republic FC and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented 21-year-old Missael Sanchez as the recipient of the 5th annual El Futuro Scholarship. A first-generation college student, Sanchez is currently attending UC Davis studying Neurology, Physiology, and Behavior in a pre-med track to use as a stepping stone for medical school. Long-term, he hopes to make an impact on local mental health resources and services, especially in the Hispanic and Latino community.
Hispanic Heritage Collection Giveback
Shop this year’s Hispanic Heritage Collection and give back to the community!
Designed by local artists Rosa and Antonio Sarabia, co-founders and co-directors of Azules Design Studio, this year’s merchandise collection pays homage to the nationalities of the Republic FC players of Hispanic and Latino backgrounds, while also bringing inspiration from design styles first introduced during the 1968 Summer Olympics and 1970’s World Cup – both held in Mexico.
The Pasión y Orgullo collection is available online at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com and will be available in the team store at Heart Health Park.
This year, 10% of the collection’s scarf proceeds will go to La Familia Counseling Center.
Fit x G6
Republic FC teamed up with G6 Performance on September 16 for a free, community workout to get people’s heart pumping!
“We are thrilled to continue to utilize Heart Health Park as a community hub for health and wellness,” said Republic FC Chief Revenue Officer Dustin Vicari. “Through our new partnership with G6 Performance Training, we hope to inspire fans and community members to make their health a priority, and highlight a locally-owned business that can help make that possible.”
Out of Darkness Community Walk
Every September, mental health organizations and advocates across the country unite to promote suicide prevention awareness and inspire people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives.
This year, Republic FC called on fans and community members to join the club for the Out of Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, September 9 at Sutter Health Park. Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this annual event is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support that brings together family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers in memory of those we’ve lost to suicide.
In addition to sponsoring a team for the event, the club pledged $1,000 to the AFSP to help fund suicide prevention research and provide evidence-based programs to local communities across the country.
Special Olympics Unified Team
Earlier this season, Republic FC and Special Olympics Northern California partnered to celebrate inclusion on the pitch, bringing together athletes from across the region on the first unified team in Sacramento soccer history. The Unified Team continued to practice regularly throughout the month, and even got a few special visits from Republic FC players Luther Archimede and Shane Wiedt.
The team took to the pitch for the first time on October 1, facing their counterparts from San Jose Earthquakes.
Childhood Cancer Awareness – Superhero Keeper Kit
Throughout September, Republic FC and UC Davis Health worked together to drive awareness and raise funds for patients and families affected by childhood cancer. To kickoff the month, the partners unveiled the Superhero Keeper Kit – a custom-designed jersey featuring artwork by Fritz Stark, a childhood cancer survivor and advocate.
The game-worn kits were auctioned off at the end of the month – and along with a ticket giveback donation program, raised over $2,000 for the Super Fritz & Friends Fund.
Community Tickets
In September, the club worked with 70 non-profit organizations to provide over 1,000 free tickets. Learn more about Republic FC’s community ticket program at SacRepublicFC.com/Community.
