As things on the field slowed down during winter, Republic FC’s front office and partners were hard at work spreading holiday cheer and supporting important causes, both throughout the region and abroad. From collecting over $10,000 of donations for students in need to participating in a new league-wide DEI initiative, here’s what the club has been up to this offseason.
Winter Wishlist Toy & Coat Drive
For the 4th year in a row, Republic FC called on fans, community members, and partners to give back to families in North Sacramento. Throughout November and December, the club collected over $10,000 worth of new toys and coats to benefit students in Robla School District, where more than 90% of the district’s families live at or below the federal poverty line.
In addition to support from Bank of Marin, Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, County Supervisor Phil Serna, and AARP, plenty of Republic FC players were able to get involved in the program. To kickoff December, Danny Vitiello, Luis Felipe, and Jared Timmer got to go on a shopping spree at Macy’s at Arden Fair to pick out $2,500 worth of toys (many thanks to our friends at Macy’s for making this possible). And to close out this year’s Winter Wishlist, dozens of volunteers – including defender Aldair Sanchez – spent the afternoon of December 19 hand-delivering the gifts to families.
Delta Dental Holiday Volunteer Event
With the holiday season in full swing, Republic FC and Indomitable Partner Delta Dental once again joined forces for an afternoon of holiday festivities at the Mather Veteran’s Village. With the assistance of volunteers from both organizations, residents put their crafting skills to the test, making ornaments for their trees, decorating cookies, and creating greeting cards. A few folks even got some help wrapping gifts for loved ones.
“The Market” feat. Huddersfield Town AFC
Across the pond, Republic FC’s sister club Huddersfield Town AFC was featured in a special holiday ad, reminding people of the importance of living every moment to be its best. “The Market,” produced by Sam Teale Productions, follows a boy and his brother as they’ve received the devastating news that it may be his last Christmas due to an illness.
During a time of celebration and happiness, the young family takes a loving approach and lives each day to its fullest – creating a Christmas memory and spending special time together.
The story ends at John Smith’s Stadium – Home of The Terriers – where Connor joins his brother for a happy ending. The message at the end is that we can all love each other, like it’s our last time to do so.
Thank You, Educators!
In December, the club teamed up with SchoolsFirst Credit Union to extend a heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teachers and staff at Natomas Unified School District.
The guests of honor were treated to a catered lunch, as well as some free swag to show support for their favorite soccer team.
USL Forward
Last week, USL announced Republic FC as a participant in the launch of it’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program: USL Forward. The multi-dimensional, leaguewide initiative focuses on professional development for technical staff, league and club executives, and local communities with the intention of increasing racial and gender diversity in leadership roles throughout the USL ecosystem.
This February, Republic FC will host Lekeisha Gumbs through the USL Pro Preseason Residency (PPR) Program. In its pilot year, the PPR Program is designed to identify high-performing, pro-aspiring BIPOC and women coaches and place them in a professional environment with an established curriculum. Gumbs is the head coach of the USL W League’s Chicago City SC and is currently a UEFA A License candidate.
“February is the perfect time for Lekeisha to see everything that goes into getting a team ready for the upcoming season – on and off the field. We’re looking forward to having her join us here in Sacramento and supporting her coaching journey,” said Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs.
2023 Community Recap Video
Looking back at 2023 out in the community. From teaming up with nonprofit organizations across the region, to our work with the 988 Lifeline, to the hours of volunteering staff and fans put in, here are some of our favorite moments off the pitch.
