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This weekend, group of die-hard Republic FC supporters take the court for their own national soccer competition with a chance at hardware. Sac Valley Flames – the Loomis-based power wheelchair soccer team – will take the court in Fort Wayne, Indiana as they shoot for a title in the Conference Cup Championship series put on by Power Soccer USA. 

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Sac Valley Flames will take the court four times between Friday and Saturday in pool play, giving them a chance to advance to Sunday’s knockout rounds. All of the team’s contests will be live-streamed on the Power Soccer Shop YouTube Channel or at livestream.com/PowerSoccerShop, and their full tournament schedule can be found at PowerSoccerUSA.org.The team already claimed a win in their opening match against Phoenix Rising 3-0. 

Since 2020, Sac Valley Flames have been frequent visitors of Republic FC matches, training sessions and community events. The club first partnered with the team just over two years ago, joining forward Cameron Iwasa and Make-A-Wish to deliver squad member Michael Watson a new wheelchair he could use to compete in. In 2021, Iwasa alongside former Republic FC goalkeeper Tomas Gomez visited the team’s power football camp and joined one of their training sessions. The team returned the favor in October, visiting Iwasa at Heart Health Park as he played in his final career match.

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Last week, Republic FC took part in the 2022 Sac Pride March and festival – the first public celebration for Pride put on by the Sacramento LGBT Center since 2019. Alongside Tower Bridge Battalion, the club led a group of fans and front office staff in the march through downtown, with a piece of artwork from a local artist as the group’s main attraction.

Local artist Shannan O’Rourke, who collaborated with the club in 2019 and 2020 on two other community art projects, took on the task of designing and creating the banner from start to finish. Featuring traditional pride symbols, alongside a notable piece of history, O’Rourke upped the ante by turning it into a live art piece created at the club’s match on June 4. The banner features the club’s crest incorporated into the colors of the Pride flag, with a brick wall in the background paying tribute to the stonewall riots of the 1960’s, the starting point of modern day celebrations of LGBTQ+ Pride.  

“I took the most recent pride flag and broke it apart, so all of the colors were included, but also went off of Gilbert Baker’s first pride flag where every color means something different,” O’Rourke said of her design. “With the club’s crest split by all of the colors, it’s meant to open up shining and showing how the club represents pride and is an advocate for equality from the outside and the inside.”

The process of creating the banner out in the open for fans at Heart Health Park to see was unique for O’Rourke. Sharing the stage with the club’s matchday DJ, and getting to see the awe of the fans in the building as the piece progressed made for a one-of-a-kind environment. Of course, the excitement of the club’s pride celebration only added to the occasion.

“It made it a little more exciting,” she said. “Live art is always fun, because then you get the fans and people coming up to you. It’s just really engaging, and especially for kids, and people that want their kids to be artists.”

Walking the parade with the club also made for a unique experience, especially as she got the opportunity to showcase her work to a totally new audience of people. Sacramento’s supporters, and those who had gathered along the parade route gave those participating an environment as enthusiastic as any other.

“The climate of it kind of resonated as a game night with all the fans. It was all very positive.”

O’Rourke’s banner continues the club’s collaborations with local artists for a multitude of community endeavors. In 2019, the club put on a “Paint the Park” event, displaying team-inspired work from local artists around the stadium at a match. In each of the last two years, Heart Health Park served as the main venue for “Boards for Change,” an art gallery and auction benefitting organizations that support black youth. O’Rourke was involved with all three – creating a one-of-a-kind piece for each event.

Republic FC will continue its celebration of pride month throughout June, donating to local and national organizations to assist in their continued push for equality. 15% of proceeds from sales of the new Pride Merchandise collection, available now at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com, will benefit the Sacramento LGBT Center. In addition, throughout the month the club has joined a list of others throughout USL donating to Athlete Ally for statistics accumulated on the pitch.

Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, the Black Players Alliance (BPA) of the USL announced a special partnership with Bootbags that launched three custom bags to celebrate Juneteeth and support the work of five organizations in five different USL cities. Republic FC Defender Duke Lacroix helped bring the initiative to life and collaborated with Hugh Roberts of Monterey Bay FC on one of the three designs.  Amadou Dia (Louisville City FC), Zach Herivaux (Birmingham Legion) and former Republic FC midfielder Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (Forward Madison FC) each worked with designers as part of the launch. The bags are available for pre-order through Bootbag’s website – as well as the individual team stores. Duke and Hugh’s bag is available at for pre-order at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com. Each player will also have their bag during Saturday’s matches in advance of Juneteenth, Sunday June 19.

“Juneteenth is a holiday of celebration; a celebration of freedom within the black community. It is important to take this day to understand our history as a nation,” said Republic FC Defender Duke Lacroix. “I hope these bags reflect a communal celebration of Juneteenth with fans, players, and the organizations that helped create them together. The bags are a creative expression that can hopefully produce tangible results in underserved communities at a national and local level.”

The design of the Duke and Hugh’s bag in the collection draws inspiration from the Juneteenth flag. At the center is an outlined star. A quote from South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu is featured in a handwritten font to feel more personal with ‘humanity’, ‘heritage’, and ‘together’ are highlighted to indicate their importance. On the back of the bag is the number 19, and 19 stripes to connect with June 19^th 1865 – the reading of General Order No.3 – the origins of Juneteenth.

In partnership with the Black Players Alliance of the USL, Republic FC will feature Duke and Hugh’s bag on its team site and help contribute to the projects with proceeds from the sale. Fifty percent of the proceeds from each bag sold will be donated to the men’s soccer program at Fisk University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). Twenty-five percent will be donated to a local charity or non-profit in each club’s market where the bags are sold. Republic FC and Duke will work together to identify a local project that aligns with the goals of the BPA. The remaining twenty-five percent of proceeds will be directed to the BPA to help fund future initiatives.

Read the full BPA release about the Bootbag collection

Learn more about the design of the bags and their importance

Purchase the bags at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com or [Bootbags.us]Bootbags.us.

In addition to supporting the Bootbag collection, Republic FC is partnering with Black Players for Change, the Black Women’s Players Collective, U.S. Soccer Foundation, as well as local non-profits including The Center for Fathers and Families and Mutual Assistance Network to host a Juneteenth Festival and Father’s Day celebration on Sunday at the Del Paso Sports Complex.

Sunday’s celebration is free and open to the public, with special invites from youth and families involved with the Mutual Assistance Network and the Center for Fathers and Families. The festivities will be centered around Juneteenth inspired BBQ menu from Low Slow Rowe, provided by Black Players for Change, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the recently opened futsal courts. Republic FC’s Duke Lacroix – a member of the USL Black Player Alliance, BPC Founder & Executive Director Quincy Amarikwa, Jeremy Ebobisse of the San Jose Earthquakes and local soccer standout Amobi Okugo will join the celebration for free futsal clinics and hop into the pick-up games on the four new courts.

After a two-year revitalization project, the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex unveiled four new futsal courts on site that sat dormant for decades. The new facility has already begun to help energize and activate one of the region’s underserved neighborhoods. Not only will the futsal courts help promote health and wellness through soccer and provide a safe place to play, the complex will create economic development opportunities for local businesses in the surrounding neighborhood.

Sacramento, Calif. – On Sunday, June 19 Sacramento Republic FC, Black Players for Change (BPC), Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC), U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Center for Fathers and Families and Mutual Assistance Network will come together to celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day. After a two-year revitalization project with support from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Black Players for Change, the Black Women’s Player Collective, and several local partners, the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex unveiled four new futsal courts on site that sat dormant for decades. The new facility has already begun to help energize and activate one of the region’s underserved neighborhoods. Not only will the futsal courts help promote health and wellness through soccer and provide a safe place to play, the complex will create economic development opportunities for local businesses in the surrounding neighborhood. 

“The celebration of Juneteenth and Fathers Day landing on the same day this year inspires me on multiple levels,” said Founder and Executive Director of Black Players For Change Quincy Amarikwa. “In my personal experiences growing up, I never saw spaces like these for people who looked like me. But with amazing partners like U.S. Soccer Foundation, MUSCO, BWPC and Republic FC I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity to share and celebrate something as meaningful and impactful as this with my sons. Looking forward to seeing everyone this Sunday!”

“Sunday’s  celebration continues the mission and purpose behind the Del Paso Sports Complex, to provide a safe place to play and learn soccer while providing more resources for the community to embrace,” said Republic FC Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick. “We’re incredibly grateful to have partners like U.S. Soccer, BPC, and BWPC , as well as the Center for Fathers and Families and the Mutual Assistance Network in our effort to recognize Juneteenth, as well as the continued work year round to build opportunity for equity in communities around the region.”

“This is going to be a great event for fathers and the community,”: said Center for Fathers and Families Director of Adult Services Terry Moore. “The Center for Fathers and Families is excited to be a part of it!” 

Sunday’s celebration is free and open to the public, with special invites from youth and families involved with the Mutual Assistance Network and the Center for Fathers and Families. The festivities will be centered around Juneteenth inspired BBQ menu from Low Slow Rowe, provided by Black Players for Change, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the recently opened futsal courts. Republic FC’s Duke Lacroix – a member of the USL Black Player Alliance, BPC Founder & Executive Director Quincy Amarikwa, Jeremy Ebobisse of the San Jose Earthquakes and local soccer standout Amobi Okugo will join the celebration for free futsal clinics and hop into the pick-up games on the four new courts. 

Since the opening of the complex in 2021, Republic FC and Mutual Assistance Network have partnered to provide monthly futsal clinics with kids from the region, expanding access to soccer and engaging activities. 

What: Juneteenth & Father’s Day Celebration at Del Paso Heights 

When: Sunday, June 19 – 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

Where: Del Paso Heights Sports Complex at Robertson Park, 3525 Norwood Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838 

This weekend, Republic FC will join the Sacramento LGBT Center at the 2022 Pride March and Festival, and invites fans to join the celebration.

Those interested in celebrating Pride with the Indomitable club and Tower Bridge Battalion at the city’s first Pride festival since 2019 can do so in a number of ways – Saturday, the club’s Community Investment team will have a booth on Capitol Mall from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. where fans and festival participants alike can enter to win Republic FC merchandise, themed prizes and take a shot on goal. Participants are encouraged to wear Republic FC gear to show off their support for the club while celebrating Pride. To buy tickets to the festival, visit SacramentoPride.org/tickets.

Sunday, the club will participate in the free 2022 Pride March through downtown alongside supporters and friends of the club, displaying a one-of-a-kind banner created by local artist, Shannan O’Rourke.  Last week, O’Rourke took to Heart Health Park during the club’s match against San Antonio FC, and using a design inspired by LGBT history and traditional Pride symbols, created a banner incorporating the club’s crest into the colors of the Pride flag. In the background, a brick wall pays tribute to the stonewall riots of the 1960’s, the starting point of modern day celebrations of LGBTQ+ Pride. The banner is not O’Rourke’s first collaboration with Republic FC – she previously participated in the club’s “Paint the Park” event in 2019 and “Boards for Change” in 2020, which benefitted local Black youth organizations.

To join the club in this year’s March through downtown, fans are encouraged to convene at Southside Park (8^th and T St.) between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., in Republic FC gear.  The parade set to start at 11:00 a.m., and will proceed along 10^th street between Southside Park and the State Capitol. This year’s March will be marshaled by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and a grouping of local leaders and advocates of the Sacramento LGBTQ community.

Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC kicks off its annual Pride celebration this month, saluting local champions and advocates from the region’s LGBTQ community, as well as supporting the work of various organizations promoting equality and inclusivity. The celebration begins this Saturday, June 4, when Republic FC welcomes San Antonio FC for the club’s annual Pride Night match at Heart Health Park.

“As a club and a city, it is our responsibility to protect each other and maintain a community that is supportive of everyone,” said Republic FC VP of Community Investment Scott Moak. “Throughout June and the remainder of 2022, we are thrilled to resume giving back to Sacramento’s LGBT Community in more ways than one and help continue the ongoing strive for equality.”

On Saturday, the team will honor local community members before the match and at halftime, as well as share Pride symbols with rainbow corner flags and goal nets, as well as the captain’s armband. Defender Duke Lacroix will join Athlete Ally’s national Playing for Pride campaign for the second season in Sacramento – marking the club’s 5^thconsecutive year of participating in the program and Lacroix’s second consecutive season. Based on his statistics accumulated on the pitch, Lacroix and Republic FC will donate $1 for every minute he plays, $50 per goal, $25 per assist, and $10 per successful tackle in each of the club’s June matches, including the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal against LA Galaxy on June 21. Fans can support Duke’s donation goal by contributing online at AthleteAlly.org to help Athlete Ally build inclusive communities in sports across the country.

In 2021, Lacroix combined with teammates Cameron Iwasa and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu to raise over $700. On June 11, Republic FC’s front office and fans will also join the LGBT Center’s annual Pride March and Festival through downtown Sacramento.

At Saturday’s game, the club will welcome local artist Shannan O’Rourke to create a one-of-a-kind banner that the organization will proudly display during the march. In partnership with the center, the club will also present a $1,000 scholarship – part of the annual Indomitable Scholars series – to a local student at this weekend’s match. LGBT Center leadership and Republic FC staff will review the finalists selected by the LGBT Center and announce a winner on Saturday. The club has presented a local student with scholarship awards as a part of its Pride celebration each season since 2019.

The club will also launch its annual Pride merchandise collection this week. Fifteen percent of sales from a new scarf, shirt and pride sticker will support the work of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. Proceeds from the 2022 collection will assist the Center’s ongoing efforts to provide individuals with often difficult to access health care items and counseling, provide cultural competency and diversity training, provide free support groups to both youth and adults, and much more. The collection will launch later this week at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com.

Since Republic FC’s inception in 2014, the club has worked closely with LGBT organizations and allies in the Sacramento region – from marching in annual parades, providing scholarship resources, highlighting community champions, and supporting LGBT businesses impacted by the pandemic. Last year, the club and its partners were honored with the league’s first-ever USL Impact Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, as well as praise from Football v. Homophobia America – saluting the work of professional clubs.

Saturday’s match against first place San Antonio FC, the first of two matchups between the clubs this season, is set to kickoff at 8:00 p.m. from Heart Health Park. Tickets are available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets, and the match will be broadcast live on FOX40, FOX40.com and the FOX40 App, and streaming on ESPN+.

Earlier this week, Republic FC midfielder Matt LaGrassa visited students at Bannon School who participate in Girls Who Code, an after-school program aimed at increasing opportunities for women in computer science careers.

The program helps elementary and high school students nationwide join a group of supportive peers and role-models using computer science to change the world. Bannon is one of just a few schools in the area that sponsor the program, giving their students crucial experience to learn about and explore the often advanced subjects of coding and computer science. It serves an important role, given the ever-increasing importance of roles in technology that are in demand now, and will be in the future.

“Our children are one day going to hold jobs that haven’t been created yet,” said Coletha Browning, the teacher that leads the group. “Coding is no longer a thing of the future – it’s here in the present, and getting our children interested in coding impacts everything in life from medicine to technology to travel. Having Matt here made us feel special.”

The program’s future impact potential is sky high – for LaGrassa, access to this kind of program for young students is something he wishes that he had. It’s a skill that provides a clear path to successful careers in many industries, including soccer and professional sports.

“I think the opportunities these students have to learn the basics of coding at a young age are something I never knew about or had the opportunity to do,” said LaGrassa. “I think it’s so cool they’re spending their after school time practicing something that’s going to be really useful in the future.”

This past week, Republic FC honored nine local students at the club’s matches on April 30 and May 4 for their efforts raising awareness and funding through the Kids’ Heart Challenge, a program that encourages elementary school students and their families to donate to extraordinary causes. The group of “cardiac kids” raised over $10,000 through Kids Heart Challenge fundraisers at their respective elementary schools; monetary aid that will go directly to the American Heart Association’s cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease research efforts for kids facing heart health issues.

“It’s encouraging to see young people from all reaches of our community learning about and contributing to causes near to our hearts,” said Republic FC Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick. “It’s genuinely inspiring, and reminds all of us that no matter how old you are or where you come from you can make an impact on someone’s life.”

At select home matches, Republic FC honors a different individual at halftime for their efforts raising funds and awareness for Heart Health – a big part of the club’s commitment and encouragement to the community to maintain heart healthy lifestyles and give to organizations and individuals that represent the club’s core values.

On Monday, April 25, a group of Republic FC players will help the club support local childhood cancer research at Mulvaney’s B&L on 19^th Street in Midtown. From 5 – 8P.M., five of Sacramento’s first-teamers – Carlos Saldana, Danny Vitiello, Dan Casey, Duke Lacroix, and Douglas Martinez – will all join St. Baldrick’s Head Shave Party to shave their heads and bring awareness to childhood cancer.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation hosts hundreds of events a year in all 50 states and 28 countries globally, each with the theme of shaving heads to raise money for the nearly 300,000 children affected by childhood cancer worldwide. Since 2005, the foundation has made possible more than $300 million in research grant funding, and has raised as much as $27 million in a single year. Tuesday’s will contribute to the $60,000 and counting raised by its participants, and to the proceeds from over 40 other events already held this year around the country. Republic FC last participated in the event in 2020.

Alongside St. Baldricks, Mulvaney’s is hosting this year’s event in partnership with Keaton’s Childhood Cancer Alliance, a Roseville-based organization whose efforts support children with cancer and their families by providing emotional, educational and financial assistance. Republic FC supporters, led by Tower Bridge Battalion, have already organized a group that’s donated over $1,000 to the event.