Community

Republic FC & Crystal Creamery Make $5,000 Donation to Sacramento Children’s Home

Following the conclusion of the 2024 USL Championship season, Republic FC and Indomitable Partner Crystal Creamery made a special visit to the Sacramento Children’s Home last week. Along with a catered lunch courtesy of Urban Roots Brewing for the dedicated staff, the partners presented a check for $5,000 to make holiday wishes come true for individuals and families receiving care through the Children’s Home.

Through the Goals for Good program, Crystal Creamery pledged $100 for every goal scored by Republic FC in 2024 and would go on to add an additional $400 to the donation.

“We greatly value our partnership with the Sacramento Republic to provide much-needed financial support in the local community. The Sacramento Children’s Home has long been an excellent resource in the region and a very worthy recipient of our Goals for Good effort,” said Brian Carden, Crystal Creamery’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He added, “Partnering with the Republic is a great fit for our company’s long-time support for athletics in the Central Valley and Northern California. Whether it is participating in a soccer camp or enjoying our ice cream at a game, we all benefit from the presence and success of the Sacramento Republic.”

In addition to the Sacramento Republic, Crystal Creamery is also a partner with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and sponsors high school sports through the Sac-Joaquin Section, the Central Section, the North Coast Section and North Section. Through this effort, Crystal Creamery supports more than 300,000 student athletes attending nearly 600 high schools in Central and Northern California stretching from Bakersfield north to the Oregon border and from Pacific coast to the Nevada border. Crystal Creamery also sponsors the Sacramento River Cats, the Modesto Nuts and the Stockton Ports.

“We are grateful for the support and involvement of our partner Crystal Creamery,” said Kevin Burdick, Republic FC Director of Community Investment. “Their longstanding commitment to supporting the community is a value that is also an integral part of our identity – and Goals for Good is just one example of how we can continue to work together to make an impact.”

5th Annual Republic FC Winter Wishlist to Deliver Hundreds of Toys and Coats to Families in Need

Beginning today, fans and community members can join in the spirit of giving by supporting Republic FC’s 5^th Annual Winter Wishlist donation drive. The club is now collecting donations of new coats and toys, as well as monetary contributions purchase new items to benefit hundreds of families in North Sacramento’s Robla School District.

In addition to donations from the community, Macy’s at Sacramento Downtown Commons will host the club for a shopping spree to purchase $1,500 worth of toys and coats. Fans can give cash donations or purchase pre-selected items through a curated Amazon Wishlist. To make a monetary donation or to check out the Amazon Wishlist, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Wishlist.

SHOP THE AMAZON WISHLIST

Supporters can drop off donations at the club’s Pro Shop in Downtown Sacramento until December 13. Anyone who brings their item to the Pro Shop (located at 428 J Street) will receive a $10 store credit. Additional collection bins will be added throughout the month.

“For these hundreds of kids and families to count on the spirit of Republic FC to step up year after year and make the holidays a little sweeter – it’s truly a privilege,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “It’s magical to see all of our staff, their families, our partners and most loyal supporters all chipping in to help. This is truly what embodies this club and sets it apart.”

Before the students break for the holidays, volunteers from Republic FC – including players – and its Indomitable partners – will prepare gifts and deliver them throughout North Sacramento. The Robla School District serves approximately 2,000 students, with a diverse population facing significant economic hardship. Over 90% of families live at or below the federal poverty line, and more than 20% of students are homeless, lacking a stable nighttime residence. These challenges create a critical need for resources to support students’ academic and emotional well-being, ensuring they have opportunities to reach their full potential.

“Winter Wishlist truly highlights the power of community, showing how neighbors and partners can come together to make a real difference,” said Robla School District Superintendent Eileen Aguba Chen. “For many of our families, the financial challenges of the holiday season can feel even more overwhelming. We are deeply thankful to Republic FC, Bank of Marin, and everyone who plays a part in bringing some extra holiday cheer to our students this December.”

This is the fifth year that Republic FC and its partners have come together to support North Sacramento students. The program began in 2020 to provide resources and holiday hope as the pandemic impacted daily life and school. Each year, the program has grown with more coats, toys, and additional support for families, such as fresh fruit and produce, milk and even gift cards to local grocery stores.

Republic FC to Host Week of Service Ahead of 10th Postseason Appearance

As Republic FC prepares for its 10^th playoff berth in 11 seasons and continues its quest to bring another championship back to Sacramento, the club is calling on fans and community members to come together for a week of service projects benefiting five local non-profits. Beginning on Monday, October 28, Republic FC, with support of Indomitable partner Sentivo Vineyards & Winery, will lead a daily volunteer opportunity before the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinal. Club employees, fans, and partners will come together to complete 200 hours of community service throughout the week.

“Making the playoffs is always a special moment. The fact that we can make Playoff Week even more special by giving back to the community that supports us, it’s something we cherish,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak.

The Week of Service will celebrate the diverse community that calls Sacramento home and residents’ commitment to showing up for one another. Any participant who volunteers alongside the club will receive a swag bag – including a custom volunteer shirt – as well as a free ticket to an upcoming Republic FC match, including the 2024 Western Conference Quarterfinals, should the club earn hosting rights. Fans can sign up for a shift at SacRepublicFC.com/Community.

SIGN UP NOW

Schedule of events

Monday, October 28 – Wellspring Women’s Center. Volunteers will spend the morning supporting Wellspring’s Nutritious Meal Program, serving free breakfast for women and children. Since 1987, the Oak Park-based organization has supported approximately 1,000 women and children each week by providing a variety of free services, including health meals, counseling, safety net services, and more.

Tuesday, October 29 – Rebuilding Together. The team will help with home refurbishment projects for an 82-year-old military veteran. The non-profit provides home improvement services that help vulnerable, low-income residents – including veterans – live in safe, healthy, and efficient homes and neighborhoods.

Wednesday, October 30 – Loaves & Fishes. Participants will gather at Republic FC downtown office to prepare hygiene kits for individuals receiving services through Sacramento Loaves & Fishes. It is the largest homeless service provider in Sacramento, providing warm meals and essential survival supplies for nearly 1,000 adults and children daily. Each volunteer will also receive a 20% discount for their next purchase at the club’s Pro Shop.

Thursday, October 31 – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Volunteers are encouraged get in the Halloween spirit and wear their costumes as the group spends the afternoon sorting and packaging fresh produce and non-perishable items for distribution. The food bank is the largest nonprofit provider of basic human needs in Sacramento County, distributing 2.9 million pounds of food each month and many other social services including immigration legal assistance, utilities assistance, and refugee resettlement aid.

Friday, November 1 – Alchemist Community Development Corporation. The team will spend the morning completing a variety of gardening projects, including weeding and planting. Alchemist is focused on addressing disparities in access to healthy food, green spaces, and entrepreneurship by connecting the community to a variety of programs including CalFresh/EBT access at farmers’ markets, empowering food business entrepreneurs, and cultivating community gardens and green spaces.

Sign-ups for volunteer shifts are open now at SacRepublicFC.com/Community and opportunities are open to the public. For Monday, Tuesday, and Friday projects, volunteers must be 18 years or older. Younger participants may join for Wednesday and Thursday, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (see here for food bank volunteer requirements). Projects may be adjusted due to inclement weather. Work supplies and equipment will be provided by the club.

SIGN UP NOW

Earlier in the year, the club opened the USL Championship season with a week’s-worth of community engagement projects that created 100 hours of volunteer hours.

Republic FC has just two regular season games remaining, beginning with a road contest against El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday. Kickoff from Southwest University Park is at 6:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast on Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming on FOX40.com and ESPN+.

The club’s 2024 playoff quest, presented by Sentivo Vineyard & Winery, will begin on the weekend of November 1-3. Fans can learn more about the postseason or sign up to get priority access to tickets at SacRepublicFC.com/Playoffs.

Teachers’ Night Out: Claim Your Free Ticket for Oct. 9

Calling all teachers, administrators, and school employees – Republic FC and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union are teaming up to provide free tickets to the club’s next home match on Wednesday, October 9.

CLAIM YOUR TICKET WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

This special offer is available to any educator or classified employee currently employed at a K-12 school or higher education institution in the Greater Sacramento region. Additional tickets for guests are available for purchase. Valid through Friday, October 4, or while supplies last.

Each year, Republic FC and its partners work to celebrate and support teachers and students – from classroom visits and PE takeovers through the Strive for 45 program, to developing a soccer-themed board game to help students learn about STEM, to raising over $10,000 in donations for new toys and coats for the region’s most in-need families, and talking about mental health.

To learn more about bringing Republic FC to your school, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Community.

Meet the 2024 El Futuro Scholarship Recipient

Every September, Republic FC teams up with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to support the educational journey of a deserving local scholar in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

This year’s recipient, Larisa Rosales, not only earned a special halftime recognition during the club’s Noche Latina match, but also got to share her culture with the fans in a performance with Nuevo Amanecer Folkloric.

“I discovered my love for Mexican folklórico when I was in 7th grade. My first year of dancing was just for fun because I enjoyed dancing and took great pride in my Mexican identity,” she explained. “Now, after 8 years, I have dedicated countless hours of practice that have transformed me from a timid dancer to a spirited and devoted performer. My ultimate goal with dancing is to educate people and allow them to connect with our art, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. I am grateful for having the ability to share a beautiful part of my culture in such a unique way.”

Sharing and connecting with her Mexican heritage is something that Rosales has always been passionate about, which has led her to pursue study anthropology at UC Davis. “When I started participating in cultural activities, I began to wonder what the people from my culture experienced in the past,” she explained. “I learned about how subcultures found in each region in Mexico, which led me to question and compare the cultural characteristics of each state and the factors that led to this diversity.”

“My first anthropology class deepened this interest and now I am fascinated by the field,” continued Rosales. “This scholarship will help to alleviate the stress of financial burdens, allowing me to be able to focus more on my classes and participate in academic opportunities such as internships or study abroad programs, which are essential to my success in the field of anthropology. These hands-on experiences will provide the best immersion into my cultural studies, allowing me to explore and share the rich heritage that has shaped who I am today, as well as engage in global cultural experiences.”

Since 2019, Republic FC has worked with various community partners – including SACHCC, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center – to award $14,000 to young people showing exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement.

Applications Now Open for Annual El Futuro Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship

On September 14, Republic FC’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations kick off with the club’s annual Noche Latina match presented by SMUD. As a part of the evening’s festivities, one young changemaker will be honored as the recipient of the 5^th annual El Futuro Scholarship. Together with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the club will award a $1,000 grant to help support a local student’s college studies.

“For over a decade, we’ve partnered with Hispanic and Latinx leaders and the broader community to ensure our scholarship recipients are among the very best and brightest,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “We’re excited to see this year’s applications come in – young people whose values align with ours and who have a desire to advance their educational goals. It’s truly an honor for Sacramento Republic FC to play a small role in supporting the academic journey of such exceptional individuals.”

“Hispanic Heritage Month provides us with an amplified opportunity to highlight the people and businesses that are making a difference in our community,” said Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, SACHCC President and CEO. “SACHCC and the partnership we have with Republic FC is dedicated to supporting students seeking a higher education, which helps to develop a diverse and thriving workforce.”

Applicants must be currently enrolled at an eligible high school or in a minimum of six units at a California Community College, and intend to enroll in a four-year college or university, or a California Community College (minimum 12 units). Additionally, they must be of Hispanic origin and live in the Sacramento Six-County Regional area – Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. Applications close at 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, September 4. For a complete list of requirements or to apply, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship.

APPLY NOW FOR THE EL FUTURO SCHOLARSHIP

Last year, Republic FC and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce awarded the scholarship to Missael Sanchez, a first-generation college student at UC Davis. He is on a pre-med track with the long-term goal of making an impact on local mental health resources and services, especially in the Hispanic and Latino community. In addition to his studies, Sanchez volunteers at Clínica Tepati – an undergraduate and medical student-run clinic that offers free medical services to the undocumented Latino community in the Sacramento region.

Since 2019, Republic FC has worked with various community partners – including SACHCC, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center – to award $13,000 to young people showing exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement.

Pride, Salute to Service, and More: Republic FC’s June & July Community Recap

The Summer of Soccer is in full swing in Sacramento, both on and off the field. From special activations, to pledge drives, player appearances, and more, here’s what the club has been up to out in the community in June & July.

Pride Month

Goals for Pride: Republic FC launched a pledge campaign to support the Sacramento LGBT Community Center and Athlete Ally’s Playing for Pride. Along with donations from fans, the club raised $1,000.

Pride Scholarship: On Pride Night, the club honored Joseph Gray as the recipient of this year’s Pride Scholarship. Gray is a student at Sac State pursuing a BA in Social Work, and later plans to attend law school to focus on civil rights and underserved populations. He wants to become a transformative force in LGBTQ+ rights and mental health advocacy. Congratulations, Joseph!

Pride Scarf: A portion of proceeds from this year’s Pride Scarf benefitted the Sacramento LGBT Center. The scarves quickly sold out, raising over $300.

Pride March: Midfielder Luis Felipe joined Republic FC front office staff and supporters for the annual Sacramento Pride March on June 9.

Cardiac Kids

Republic FC honored two groups of special students in June and July. Through a special school program focused on keeping students active and raising money for various heart-related causes, the 22 students recognized at Republic FC matches raised $25,000 to support the American Heart Association and Heart Health in the Sacramento region.

Juneteenth Day of Service

On July 19, Republic FC staff and community members put a pause on their daily tasks and chose to exercise their green thumbs for the day to celebrate Juneteenth. The team started their morning at the New Joseph Bonnheim Community Charter School energetically anticipating the tasks ahead, which included building mobile garden boxes, refreshing the school garden space, refinishing school benches and overall beautification of the school. Read the full recap >>

Military Care Packages

Ahead of Salute to Service Night, the Indomitable Club teamed up with local veteran-owned brewing At Ease Brewing to host a service project. 20 fans and partners showed up to assemble care packages for deployed U.S. military service members. The packages – stuffed with toiletries donated by Delta Dental, Republic FC gear, snacks, and activities – were distributed by Operation: Care & Comfort (OCC), an organization that has supported American troops in a variety of ways since 20023. To date, OCC has delivered over a million pounds of care packages.

Fifth Annual Nonprofit Mixer

On July 15, Republic FC’s Community Investment team gathered with local non-profit organizations at the beautiful Celine, located on the first floor of the team’s new headquarters, to highlight the club’s community work and partnership opportunities for the 2024 season. Nearly 200 organizations from around the region attended and left with new relationships, opportunities, and ideas about how to partner on Club’s social responsibility initiatives.

“The room had great energy, and the presentation was truly impressive. We very much want to be connected, and we look forward to doing some great things in the future.” said Chief Advancement Officer of Cancer Champions, Lyn Christopulos who attended the event.”

Read more >>

Community Tickets & Donations

In June & July, Republic FC hosted 249 organizations at Republic FC matches, donating 4,422 tickets to create memorable experiences for community parties. The club also made 46 donations valued at $7,218 to support local nonprofits and their missions.

Out of the Office: Republic FC Honors Juneteenth with a Day of Service

Earlier today, Republic FC staff and community members put a pause on their daily tasks and chose to exercise their green thumbs for the day to celebrate Juneteenth. The team started their morning at the New Joseph Bonnheim Community Charter School energetically anticipating the tasks ahead, which included building mobile garden boxes, refreshing the school garden space, refinishing school benches and overall beautification of the school.

The club worked with the Center for Fathers and Families, a non-profit organization — and one of Republic FC’s partner community groups – to celebrate its annual day of service tradition. The program at New Joseph Bonnheim serves 1,100 low income children and families by providing mentoring, education, and enrichment activities. NJB Charter School is one of their priority sites where they want to renovate their garden program to teach young students how to garden, grow, and give back to their community.

Melissa Hernandez, a specialist with the Center for Fathers and Families stated that, “The school is so big and our projects are so ambitious that we need extra hands to come help us get some of these projects started.”

The mission of NJB is to develop responsible, respectful, and proactive citizens, and idea which is centered on agriculture and on the community it serves. As Kevin Burdick, Republic FC’s Director of Community Investment shared after the event, “We did a year’s worth of work in about four hours, so that’s really special, and to give our teammates the chance to learn about a community out here that they don’t necessarily go to every day, it’s really important.”

Republic FC Unified Team Preps for First Match of 2024 on Saturday

Republic FC and Special Olympics Northern California Unified Team is back for its second season to celebrate inclusion on the pitch and offer a unique way for players with disabilities to compete. The squad has been preparing for its opening night against San Jose Earthquakes since April. The squad features 20 local athletes – including 13 athletes from the inaugural side — that will don the Republic FC crest and kit on the pitch just as players on the first team do.

Saturday, May 25 – Kickoff after the first team match against Tampa Bay
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Fans attending Saturday’s match are encouraged to stay and watch the Unified Team take on the San Jose Earthquakes Unified Team

The two teams faced off last October in Sacramento’s first-ever Unified Team match, a 3-1 result favoring the Bay Area side. It was a tight contest, tied 1-1 deep into the second half before late scores tallied by the visitors.

Unified sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. Republic FC’s squad is coached by Filip Handl, the club’s Manager of Soccer Programming and a longtime volunteer with Special Olympics Northern California. He’s joined on the sidelines by Assistant Head Coaches Nick and Shelly Suarez and Joanna Pastor, each a veteran of serving Special Olympics programs across the region.

Across the U.S. soccer community, unified teams are taking to the pitch and showing off their skills. All 29 clubs in Major League Soccer and six in USL Championship and USL League One field a Unified Team in partnership with local Special Olympics chapters. With more in development and set to take the pitch across the country in the coming year, the program has a big future ahead.

Making a Difference: May Community Recap

In May, Republic FC and its partners recognized Mental Health Awareness Month by actively promoting open discussions about mental well-being, sharing resources with club staff, fans, and student athletes. Out in the community, the club hosted special camps & clinics, and participated in an annual give-a-thon that raised over $13 million for local non-profits.

Strive for 45 – Striving and Thriving

The Strive for 45 pilot program wrapped up, completing six weeks of P.E. takeovers that included fun and exciting soccer drills, nutritional education, and additional healthy resources. With weekly visits to 5 local schools, nearly 300 students tracked their activity with pedometers, helping Republic FC and UC Davis Health to evaluate and refine the program to encourage daily physical activity.

Keeping the Conversation Going around Mental Health

Republic FC hosted an intimate opportunity for soccer players at Inderkum High School to discuss the pressures and challenges they face on and off the field. The conversation was led by Dr. Mondo Gonzalez and Republic FC forward Kieran Phillips, who discussed the importance of destigmatizing mental health concerns – especially among athletes – and best practices for prioritizing mental health for one’s self and teammates to reach peak athletic performance.

Later in the month, former Republic FC assistant coach Chris Malenab stopped by the front office to educate staff on the common risk factors and warning signs of suicide to keep others safe. A suicide attempt survivor himself, Malenab recently completed training to lead the “Talk Saves Lives” community-based presentation created by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Read more about the program and Malenab’s drive to share this life-saving information >>

Kickin it in the Community

With special guest coaches Jonathan Ricketts and Sebastian Herrera on hand, Republic FC teamed up with Wilton Rancheria to host a free youth soccer clinic for tribe members ahead of Native American Heritage Night – coming up on June 29th.

The club later brought some serious “Girl Power” to a free all-girls soccer clinic. Led by a group of all female coaches, over 50 participants had the opportunity to work on their skills in a fun and empowering environment.

Big Day of Giving (May 2)

Each year, thousands of Sacramentans come together to give back to the region’s dedicated nonprofits on the Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Big Day of Giving.

To help multiply the impact of individuals, dozens of local companies and philanthropists provide additional donations through prizes. This year, Republic FC sponsored the “916 Prize” randomly drawing two lucky organizations – Ligons Scholarship Fund and the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet to receive a $500 boost at 9:16 a.m. and 9:16 p.m.. With the extra donation from Republic FC, the Food Closet was able to surpass it’s fundraising goal for the annual give-a-thon.

With nearly 30,000 donors, the May 2 Big Day of Giving raised $13.2 million for over 800 non-profits.

Club honored as an MVP at San Juan Unified School District’s annual “Most Valuable Partner” Celebration

To kick off the month, Republic FC was one of 70 community partners honored at San Juan Unified School District’s Most Valued Partners (MVP) Reception. The event honors organizations that are committed to engaging and connecting with students, families, and staff throughout the school year.

Last year, the club opened its 12th futsal court at San Juan’s Sylvan Middle School, the first court located directly on a school site to provide an additional resource for P.E. teachers and students to stay active and enjoy the game.

Community Tickets & Donations

This month, Republic FC distributed free tickets to over 70 non-profit organizations, creating meaningful gameday experiences for 1,600 people. The club also provided $10,000 worth of in-kind support for 74 community events throughout the region.