As Republic FC closed out the regular season and moved into the playoffs, the club also had a month filled with community activations. From the inaugural match for the Special Olympics Unified Team to a week of projects creating over 130 hours of volunteer hours, Republic FC has continued to uplift the region through a variety of projects, events, and recognitions.
Unified Team Match
On October 1, Republic FC’s Special Olympics Unified Team took the pitch for its first-ever match on the pitch at Heart Health Park. Since August, the squad had prepared with weekly training sessions for its first game – an exhibition contest against its counterparts from the San Jose Earthquakes.
Free Youth Clinic with Raising Canes
Through its partnership with Raising Canes, Republic FC’s Youth Training Programs hosted a free soccer clinic for 30 kids involved with Refuge and Strength, a non-profit working to empower the local refugee community through networking, education, and community events.
Republic FC Power Soccer Team Looks to Bring National Tournament to Region
From the grass to the hardwood, soccer is truly the world’s game. In October, Republic FC players Luis Felipe and Luther Archimede, along with Goalkeeper Coach Ross Cain, got to experience a different kind of football: Power Soccer. The trio visited the Republic FC-affiliated team in Roseville for a team practice, with Archimede and Luis Felipe each getting the opportunity to sit in powered wheelchairs to experience to play the game first hand.
The visit took place at @TheGrounds, a brand new facility that the power soccer team hopes could serve as the kind of venue suitable to host tournaments to help grow the game and provide additional opportunities for players to compete. Currently, the team travels to Indianapolis each summer for the Conference Cup Championship series, where they reached the quarterfinals in the 2023 edition. But their competitive spirit brings a desire to take the court as often as they can – and naturally, it ups the anticipation when another squad is on the opposite side. And, Sacramento has a long history of supporting the game.
Gameday Recognitions
On Fan Appreciation Night, Republic FC and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) teamed up to honor the 2024 Sacramento County Teachers of the Year, along with the 2023 Classified Employees of the Year. Since 1988, SCOE has celebrated its teachers and employees, and the important work they do to create educational environments throughout California. 
Jenna MacMillan was honored by Republic FC and AARP as this year’s Community Hero. In working tirelessly to create a better life for her 3 children and four stepchildren, including a son with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, MacMillan has become a beacon of hope and support for the disability community in Sacramento. 
On October 21, Republic FC honored four remarkable Cardiac Kids. In total, they raised over $2,500 for the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, showcasing how youth can make a positive impact on those in need.
Week of Service – Postseason Edition
To kick off the opening week of the playoffs, Republic FC hosted a week of service projects, giving fans and employees an opportunity to give back to the community. Throughout the week, over 50 people completed nearly 150 volunteer hours, with visits to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Women’s Empowerment, Volunteers of America Navigation Center, Sacramento Children’s Home, and the Sacramento SPCA.
