Since 2014, UC Davis Health has been a foundational partner for Republic FC. On the pitch, the health system has been featured prominently on the front of every kit and a part of every historic moment, including winning the title in the inaugural season, the club’s run to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final, and the 10th season celebration match in front of 20,000+ fans at Hughes Stadium in 2023.
Out in the community, UC Davis Health has embraced and played a key part in the club’s mission to foster a healthy, vibrant region. From hospital visits, to special pro signings, here are some of our favorite community activations with UC Davis Health over the last 10 years, and a look at what’s to come in the next chapter of this impactful partnership.
Matthew Harding Signs Pro Contract (2018)
With the support of UC Davis Health and Make-A-Wish, Republic FC signed 15-year-old Matthew Harding to a one-game contract in 2018. After a press conference to announce the signing with his hometown club, Harding trained with the team before making his pro debut and scoring the opening goal in the 1st minute.
Harding’s performance also earned him a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week and the honor of Goal of the Week.
Hospital Visits
Across the seasons, dozens of Republic FC players have made visits to UC Davis Children’s Hospital, spending time with children and families going through treatment. The visits have included anything from coloring and playing video games, to talking about soccer, and even dance parties.
Supporting Breast Cancer Patients
Hundreds of Republic FC fans shared inspirational and supportive messages for breast cancer patients, signing a giant “get well” card.
The card – which was 10 feet tall – was later displayed in the lobby of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, in view of patients as they enter the lobby to receive chemotherapy.
Cleats for a Cause (2019)
When Republic FC midfielder Ray Saari heard about the story of Gianna, a young patient who underwent brain surgery, he knew he wanted to meet her and create something special. Together, they designed a custom pair of cleats that Saari later wore in a match before they were auctioned off to benefit UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Childhood Cancer Awareness
Each September, Republic FC and UC Davis Health honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by driving awareness and raising funds to support patients and their families. Activations have included custom scarves and merchandise, healthcare hero features to celebrate doctors and nurses making a difference in the lives of those undergoing treatment, and even visits from the therapy dogs that support patients at UC Davis Health each day.
Last year, a custom keeper kit was designed by Fritz Stark, a childhood cancer survivor, and signed by patients receiving care through Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance. The jersey was worn by Republic FC keepers throughout September and later auctioned off, raising over $2,000 for the Super Fritz & Friend Fund, established by Stark’s family and friends in 2019 to fund services such as lodging assistance and insurance coordination for families battling pediatric cancer.
Strive for 45
To celebrate their record-setting partnership extension, Republic FC and UC Davis Health have launched Strive for 45, a new program focused on working directly with the region’s children to promote healthy, sustainable fitness and nutritional habits and empower individuals to act as advocates for healthy change.
Strive for 45 has launched as a pilot program this spring at five regional Title I schools where at least 40% of enrollment is made up of children from low-income families. Weekly physical education class takeovers with specially programmed youth soccer clinics, nutritional education, and more resources for students will be combined with a pedometer to help remind kids to keep active. With the pedometers as a baseline, the club and UC Davis Health will be able to examine activity and change the program to continue to encourage activity daily.
