Community

Republic FC Celebrating Women’s History Month with All-Girls Soccer Clinic

Republic FC has a few special things planned for local youth girls itching to get out onto the pitch this March. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Republic FC Youth Camps and Clinics will hold a free All-Girls soccer clinic in partnership with Land Park Soccer Club, scheduled for March 11 from 4-6 p.m. at the Land Park Soccer and Rugby fields.

The 2-hour session is open to girls ages 6-16 of all skill levels, and registration is completely free, offering a fun session to anyone who wants to participate at no cost. Participants will also get a chance to interact with Republic FC players and coaches – including Head Coach and proud girl-dad Mark Briggs.

The clinic is the first of its kind this season. Last July, Republic FC held two all-girls soccer clinics to help grow the game and offer a way for young girls in the region to have fun, learn more about soccer and gain important social and collaborative skills. This year, the Republic FC Youth Camps and Clinics staff is excited to offer the same great opportunity, with the goal of helping young women and girls connect, support, and cheer each other on both on and off the pitch. Interested players can be registered at SacRepublicFC.com/Camps-Clinics.

Click Here to Register for the 2022 All-Girls Soccer Clinic

Small Business Spotlight: Underground Books

Oak Park’s learning hub offers more than just a read to those that come through its doors

Throughout Black History Month, Republic FC will highlight and celebrate Sacramento’s Black Business community and its amazing contributions to the region’s culture and economy. Each Monday, the club will profile a business, urging fans to explore and find new local favorites. To help create a connection with the new businesses, the club will provide fans with a chance to win gift cards & prize packs to open a new audience to business leaders in the region.

When Sacramento’s Underground Books opened its doors in 2003, the Oak Park neighborhood it calls home had gone over 30 years without a public library to serve its students and community members.

Filling a unique gap in their community, the store and team behind it has achieved some special things since opening its doors. A part of St. Hope, a non-profit founded by former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the location has become among the city’s most impactful, leading a number of community revitalization projects through its family of sister organizations. Under the leadership of St. Hope CEO Cassandra Jennings and Georgia “Mother Rose” West, the location serves as a hub for community giving and learning, while also being one of the largest sellers in the nation offering reads on black history, culture, and experience.

Come 2023, the store will mark its 20-year anniversary, an achievement made even more impressive by what its accomplished year-over-year during that time. Since 2005, they’ve provided continuous internship and employment opportunities to students of Sacramento High School, part of their ongoing effort to revitalize and give back to the residents of Oak Park. Each year, they bring on a small group of current and former students in both volunteer and paid positions, giving them crucial early career experience.

The store also hosts book signings for local authors, giving Northern California’s creative minds crucial exposure that can be difficult to acquire.

“Bringing local authors in helps cut through difficult economic barriers while also bringing our community together and provides great critical thinking,” said Jennings. “We also want people to be able to meet some of the people around them who are writing truly great stories.

More important to them, however, is the ability of what they provide to serve as a space to not just start conversations and dialogue about equality, but continue them. They’ve prided themselves in providing something for everyone, whether its access, exposure, or a place to learn.

“What we want to do is bring unity and understanding to those who walk through our doors,” said West. “The outcome of that is a fully integrated community that accepts all people for who they are and respects one another.”

Learn more about Underground Books online at sthope.org, or visit them at 2814 35^th Street in Oak Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to win a prize pack including a gift card to the shop. Check out Republic FC’s Instagram page to enter this week’s business giveaway.

The Mimosa House Presents The Road to Heart Health Park: High School Soccer Quarterfinals

Boys & Girls Division I Quarterfinal round kicks off Tuesday evening

Heart Health Park will host the 2022 Division I CIF Sac-Joaquin Boys and Girls Soccer Finals on Feb. 24. Follow each stage of the postseason as each squad makes its push for championship glory on the Road to Heart Health Park, presented by The Mimosa House.

After 16 matches, the opening round of playoff soccer has come to a close, advancing eight teams in both Boys and Girls soccer to the quarterfinal round of the Division I Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs.

Round of 16 Recap

Every matchup in the Boys bracket saw the higher seeded team advance, even if by the slimmest of margins. Oak Ridge staved off Franklin (Elk Grove) with a penalty shootout victory following a 2-2 draw after 80 minutes, punching them a ticket to take on the top-seeded Davis Blue Devils. Here in Sacramento, #14 Enochs held their own against defending champion Jesuit, but fell in a 2-1 result favoring the Marauders after they put in two first half scores. Modesto and Tokay each recorded clean sheet wins over Folsom and McClatchy, and will now face off with each other in a Central Valley showdown. Check out all the scores on the updated bracket here.

On the Girls side, a few upsets and big days made for an exciting opening round. #1 seeded Oak Ridge proved their worth as the bracket’s top team, taking down Stagg in a 9-0 result. Down the road in West Sacramento, River City fell in a heartbreaker to Davis, who advanced on a game winning score from Lauren Lemmo with less than ten minutes remaining. Inderkum and Pleasant Grove’s grudge match of their 2020 playoff meeting went the way of the Tigers this time, with the Natomas side shutting out their Elk Grove foes 1-0. Check out all the scores on the updated bracket here.

Who Remains?

The Quarterfinal round will see the following squads meet for a chance at a spot in the semifinals on Thursday. Boys’ soccer will kick off on Feb. 15, with Girls Soccer following on Feb. 16:

BOYS

Davis (1) v Oak Ridge (8) – 7:00 p.m. Kickoff at Davis High School

Modesto (4) v Tokay (5) – 6:00 p.m. Kickoff at Downey High School

Jesuit (3) v Lincoln- Stockton (6) – 5:00 p.m. Kickoff at Davis High School

Whitney (2) v Bella Vista (7) – 6:00 p.m. Kickoff at Whitney High School

GIRLS

Oak Ridge (1) v Davis (9) – 6:00 p.m. kickoff at Oak Ridge High School

Folsom (4) v Inderkum (5) – 6:00 p.m. Kickoff at Folsom High School

St. Francis (3) v Lincoln- Stockton (11) – 6:00 p.m. Kickoff at Cristo Rey High School

McClatchy (2) v Tracy (10) – 3:00 p.m. Kickoff at McClatchy High School

Matchups to Watch

Whitney v Bella Vista (Boys): The Broncos and Wildcats will meet for the first time since they were league rivals in 2018. Each squad is plenty confident, but Bella Vista will have to make their statement on the road in Rocklin.

Oak Ridge v Davis (Girls): The girls’ side at Oak Ridge enters the contest as arguably the most confident in the bracket. However, the Blue Devils are riding a high after a late score put them over River City to advance, so they could give the Trojans a run for their money when they make their trip up to El Dorado Hills.

Modesto v Tokay (Boys): The two sides may not be all that familiar with each other; however, they each shut out their first round opponents in victories by more than one score. The Panthers may have the edge in seeding over the Lodi side, but what looks to be a close contest awaits.

St. Francis v Lincoln- Stockton (Girls): A big penalty-shootout win for the Trojans gives them all the momentum in this contest. However, the Troubadours will be a potent foe, and possibly the best squad the Stockton side has faced all season long.

Small Business Spotlight: Sac City Stems

Mikaela Baker’s plant-selling passion gives people something to look forward to

Like many early in 2020, Mikaela Baker found herself with a lot of time on her hands as COVID-19 put her career as a flight attendant on hold. To fill out her time sheltering in place, she turned to one of her oldest hobbies. Long a dedicated plant-parent, she found herself with a few too many, to the point her home was well past what it was capable of containing.

SAD SZN Survival Step 2: Switch Up Your Rotation

SCS is bringing you our very first plant swap!

Not to be that friend but, we want to introduce you to some of our #potnas. pic.twitter.com/kpvyH9SZ5O
— SacCityStems (@SacCityStems) October 11, 2021

In an effort to turn her surplus into an opportunity, she began selling some of her houseplants online, an idea that grew into a business garnering more traction than she ever could have anticipated.

“Plants and gardening have been big in my family for a long time,” said Baker. “All the women in my family have always had a garden where they’ve kept up houseplants, so it’s something I’ve always been around.”

Since, Baker’s plant-selling passion has grown to heights she couldn’t imagine were possible when she started, to the extent she found herself with the need for a physical location. In June of last year she opened a shop to meet demand she just couldn’t keep up with from home, just a stone’s throw from Sacramento State University. The H Street staple serves as a hub for her to sell plants of all types on the weekends to anyone looking for a new hobby, provide a safe space for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, and pass along the satisfaction she gets from a green thumb to others who need it most.

She’s also taken the opportunity to help others with her newfound reach. At least once a month, Baker takes Sac City Stems out to events in the community, hosting pop up sales and plant swaps in collaboration with other businesses and women of color like herself.

Through her business, Baker also donates to organizations looking to help those who are less fortunate, or that help make big differences in the lives of minority groups and women who face challenging circumstances. She regularly donates to organizations such as Campaign Zero, the National Bailout Fund, and Planned Parenthood, as well as a few others at the choice of her customers.

“We’re in a time where many people need something to look forward to, and this can really do that for a lot of people and give them something to latch on to in a positive way,” she said. “I want to help introduce others to the same joy that I get from being a plant parent, and try to raise awareness for those who need it most.”

Check out Sac City Stems online at stemssacramento.com, or visit them at 5635 H Street in East Sacramento. Don’t miss the opportunity to win a prize pack including a gift card to the shop. Check out Republic FC’s Instagram page to enter this week’s business giveaway.

The Mimosa House Presents The Road to Heart Health Park: High School Soccer Playoff Preview

After a month of league action, postseason play is officially here for high school squads in the region. Sixteen teams in the Boys and Girls Division I soccer competitions will now battle it out for a section title, with the boys bracket starting today, and the girls bracket tomorrow.

What Lies Ahead

From the first-round matchups all the way through the final, teams will play a single-elimination tournament. The first round’s victors will move on to the quarterfinal round, which will take place on Feb. 15 for the Boys Bracket and Feb. 16 for the Girls Bracket.

Who’s In?

Coming into the round of 16, the following squads make up the bracket. Matchups are as follows:

BOYS

Davis (1) v Chavez (16)

Oak Ridge (8) v Franklin- Elk Grove (9)

Tokay (5) v McClatchy (12)

Modesto (4) v Folsom (13)

Jesuit (3) v Enochs (14)

Lincoln- Stockton (6) v Franklin- Stockton (11)

Bella Vista (7) v Edison (10)

Whitney (2) v Pleasant Grove (15)

GIRLS

Oak Ridge (1) v Stagg (16)

River City (8) v Davis (9)

Inderkum (5) v Pleasant Grove (12)

Folsom (4) v Franklin- Elk Grove (13)

St. Francis (3) v Monterey Trail (14)

Enochs (6) v Lincoln- Stockton (11)

Turlock (7) v Tracy (10)

McClatchy (2) v Edison (15)

Matchups to Watch

A few notable matchups make up part of the first-round schedule, from cross-town meetings to important opening matches for squads looking to defend their past results. Check out a couple from each bracket:

Inderkum v Pleasant Grove (Girls): A rematch of the two sides opening match of the 2020 playoff bracket, Inderkum will be looking to give a poke back. Pleasant Grove won 1-0 in the contest, before being eliminated in the second round.

Lincoln v Franklin (Boys): While not a rivalry meeting, these two sides connect in a crosstown matchup between Stockton’s top teams. The pair met early in the season – a contest that favored the Trojans in a 1-0 result on December 3.

Oak Ridge v Stagg (Girls): Oak Ridge enters the tournament as the defending champions, as there were no postseason events held in 2021. Ranked #1 in the bracket, their one objective is clear: defend their 2020 title and raise a second straight banner.

Jesuit v Enochs (Boys): Defending champion Jesuit will be looking for their third straight title and fourth in the last five seasons. Their first challenger comes in the form of a Modestan group making their first postseason appearance since 2017.

Heart Health Park to Host Boys and Girls CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I High School Soccer Championships

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Sacramento Republic FC announced that Heart Health Park will serve as the home for the 2022 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Boys and Girls High School Soccer Championships. The Girls Championship Final will kick off at 4:30 p.m., with the Boys Championship Final at 7:30 p.m. Between matches, Republic FC’s Academy program will showcase many of the region’s top players competing in MLS NEXT Pro, where four of the club’s teams sit at the top of the table in their respective age division and each squad remains undefeated in league play.

Later today, CIF Sac-Joaquin Section officials will release the 2022 high school soccer playoff brackets. Republic FC and The Mimosa House, a family-owned restaurant with six regional locations known for its breakfast-into-lunch fare, namesake mimosas and wines, will partner to celebrate the Road to Heart Health Park with weekly coverage of the Division I playoffs.

“We’re excited to create a new partnership with the Sac-Joaquin Section and provide student-athletes with a memorable opportunity to play on the region’s premier soccer stage at Heart Health Park for these showcase matches,” said Republic FC President & General Manager Todd Dunivant.

“The Sac-Joaquin Section is excited to partner with Republic FC to bring high school soccer into a professional venue like Heart Health Park,” said CIF San Joaquin Section Commissioner Mike Garrison. “We’re excited for the high school soccer community and we hope to continue this partnership for years to come.”

Tickets for each playoff matchup, as well as the championship final doubleheader, are available at gofan.co/app/school/CIFSJS. Students, senior citizens, veterans, and Republic FC season ticket members will be able to purchase tickets at a discount through GoFan.com.

Small Business Spotlight: The Academy Training & Performance Center

Throughout Black History Month, Republic FC will highlight and celebrate Sacramento’s Black Business community and its amazing contributions to the region’s culture and economy. Each Friday, the club will profile a business, urging fans to explore and find new local favorites. To help create a connection with the new businesses, the club will provide fans with a chance to win gift cards & prize packs to open a new audience to business leaders in the region.

Inspiring the community to keep healthy and fit isn’t an easy job. But through The Academy Training and Performance Center, Bryan Washington has made an element of his mission to inspire and support every person that walks through the doors of the downtown gym, as well as those beyond its walls.

“My goal is to help others achieve their goal. I want people to believe in themselves as much as I do,” said Washington. “Sometimes we limit ourselves and the kinds of people we can be. I feel like it’s my place to encourage people, especially black and brown people like myself who are thrown obstacles in life, and communicate that there’s absolutely people who believe in them.”

In 2014, Washington and Bryan Francis, opened The Academy to do just that through personal, group, team, and sports-specific training for the individuals in his community and throughout Sacramento.In the years since, its staff has trained many of the region’s athletes, and offered all kinds of training options through a combination of unique and conventional programming, in addition to regularly scheduled fitness classes.

But beyond the walls of their downtown facility, you’ll find Bryan encouraging the health and wellness of his fellow Sacramentans elsewhere. During select weekends, Bryan hosts workouts at Esther’s Park encouraging families to stay fit with easy access to training.

Through Twitch, Bryan also hits double duty, DJing his own spin classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays – accessible for anyone around the world to follow along.

Check out Bryan’s Twitch Streams Here!

Last year, he partnered with Republic FC and led workouts for fans and fitness buffs alike at Republic FC Fit at Heart Health Park, supporting the club’s ongoing initiative to improve community wellness.

At every opportunity, Bryan is working to not only expose more people to improve their health and fitness, but to reach into their own backyards, expanding awareness in every corner of the region, supporting aspiring athletes, our neighbors in need, as well as Sacramento’s soccer fans. For him, giving love and constant support to those who surround him is huge, especially having observed the tremendous impact it can have for his entire life.

“I was fortunate to be around people who cared deeply about those around them,” Washington continued. “Small things like giving back with my skills in fitness and music, or just supporting the lives and businesses of those around you can trickle down in a big way and isn’t highlighted enough. Be it the people in a 10-block or 10-mile radius of you, wherever you eat, sleep, and have fun, that’s your community and you can always impact it directly. Everyone can help support everyone.”

Check out The Academy Training and Performance Center online at TheAcademyFitness.com and visit them at 1116 F Street in Downtown Sacramento. Don’t miss the opportunity to win a prize pack including a one-month membership to The Academy. Check out Republic FC’s Instagram page to enter this week’s business giveaway.

Republic FC Kickoff Black History Month with Academic Scholarship, Charity Scarf Designed by Duke Lacroix and Community Champions Profile Series Supporting Black-Owned Businesses

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Throughout February, Republic FC will work with community partners, local business owners, its players and fans, as well as the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate Black History Month and highlight community champions from the region. Beginning today, the club and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce will partner on the first Indomitable Scholars award of the year. At the club’s exhibition match on March 5, the club will present a qualified and deserving student from the Sacramento region with a $1,000 dollar scholarship to help support their educational aspirations. For full eligibility and application requirements, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship before the Friday, February 25 deadline.

“The strength and indomitable nature of our club is directly connected to the diversity of our community,” said President & General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Through cultural celebrations like Black History Month, we want to challenge our team, staff, fans and neighbors to learn more, support a path to a prosperous future, and lift up the creators who bring beauty to our region through art expressing heritage and so much more. With our partners at the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, we’ll be able to support students in their quest to learn, as well as the businesses that help our community thrive.”

“Creating the platform for economic inclusivity begins with educating the next generation of leaders, bridging the gap between communities, and engineering opportunities for businesses to succeed, allowing for everyone to reap the benefits,” said Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer AzizzaDavis Goines. “We are thrilled to launch this scholarship with Republic FC to assist and celebrate a local student on their journey, and hope that through their efforts this month and beyond, more people will engage with Black businesses through the region.”

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). According to a recent report by the Campaign for College Opportunity, Black students are vastly underrepresented and have lower graduation rates at California’s public universities – accounting for just four percent of the CSU student body and 2.5 percent of the UC undergraduate population, with graduation rates that are 25 percent lower. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these disparities; in California, 43 out of 60 surveyed community colleges noted enrollment declines for Black students.

This scholarship marks the newest addition to Republic FC’s Indomitable Scholars series, which has awarded local students with scholarships to support their educational and career goals since 2019. The club has previously partnered with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to present the El Futuro Scholarship to students of Hispanic and Latinx origin –as well as the Pride Scholarship, awarded in partnership with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.

In addition to the new scholarship, Republic FC will alsoraise money for Black-owned businesses in the region and facilitate donations to local and national charities throughout February. Each Friday, Republic FC will highlight a local Black-owned business, recognizing their excellent contributions to the community. The club will also give fans a chance to win prize packs, gift cards and other merchandise to each week’s businessin an effort to spark new interest and economic activity for Black-owned businesses throughout the region. Fans can follow Republic FC on social media for more information and to enter.

Through a partnership with United Soccer League Black Players Alliance, Republic FC defender Duke Lacroix helped develop the USLBPA x USL Dream in Color Scarf.

Best of 2021: Community Snapshots

Republic FC & Western Health Advantage rename the club’s home stadium Heart Health Park. This marks the first venue in the world to call attention to a specific health issue through an innovative naming rights agreement.
Little Sparrow Childcare is awarded $5,000 as the winner of the Pride-edition of Republic FC’s Kickstart Small Business Grant Program. Since its inception, Kickstart has awarded $42,000 to local businesses.
Sierra Gold Soccer Club lends a helping hand in collecting donations for those affected by the Caldor Fire. Along with Owner & CEO Kevin Nagle, Republic FC raised over $10,000 for wildfire relief.
The team hosts a full training session at Folsom State Prison.
Duke Lacroix helps with the awards ceremony at the Special Olympics Northern California Regional Showcase.
As a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fans signed a giant “get well” card that was later displayed at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Edgar Florez & Evelyn Medina-Gonzalez are awarded the El Futuro Scholarship, presented in partnership with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Defender Duke Lacroix joins Camps & Clinics coaches to host a free clinic at the newly-opened Robertson Futsal Courts at the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex.
Midfielder Rafa Jauregui delivers new coats and toys to a North Sacramento Family as a part of the club’s 2nd annual Winter Wishlist program.

Republic FC & Western Health Advantage rename the club’s home stadium Heart Health Park. This marks the first venue in the world to call attention to a specific health issue through an innovative naming rights agreement.
Little Sparrow Childcare is awarded $5,000 as the winner of the Pride-edition of Republic FC’s Kickstart Small Business Grant Program. Since its inception, Kickstart has awarded $42,000 to local businesses.
Sierra Gold Soccer Club lends a helping hand in collecting donations for those affected by the Caldor Fire. Along with Owner & CEO Kevin Nagle, Republic FC raised over $10,000 for wildfire relief.
The team hosts a full training session at Folsom State Prison.
Duke Lacroix helps with the awards ceremony at the Special Olympics Northern California Regional Showcase.
As a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fans signed a giant “get well” card that was later displayed at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Edgar Florez & Evelyn Medina-Gonzalez are awarded the El Futuro Scholarship, presented in partnership with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Defender Duke Lacroix joins Camps & Clinics coaches to host a free clinic at the newly-opened Robertson Futsal Courts at the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex.
Midfielder Rafa Jauregui delivers new coats and toys to a North Sacramento Family as a part of the club’s 2nd annual Winter Wishlist program.

League Salutes Sacramento for Continued Community Investment

On Tuesday afternoon, USL Championship acknowledged Republic FC’s community investment initiatives and presented the club with a USL Impact Award at the annual league meetings where clubs share best practices.

Republic FC, its fans, partners, players and staff, were selected to receive the league’s first USL Impact Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity. Launched this year, the USL Impact Awards were created to highlight clubs across the league that are leading the way towards leveraging their platforms to be a force for good. All entries were judged by a panel consisting of USL HQ executives, USL Impact Committee Members, and USL Impact Partners that are credible experts in their respective fields.

“The core of our club’s mission is to reflect the values of our city, impact our community, and win together,” said Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “We want to thank the USL Impact Committee, for not only recognizing the work of our club, but the contributions of amazing partners, fans, players and team members.”

“This year, Sacramento Republic FC has been a fantastic example of how to impact and celebrate its local LGBTQ+ community,” said Lizzie Seedhouse, USL Senior Vice President of Strategy and Engagement. “Awarding over $10,000 to local LGBTQ+ businesses–in addition to all the other exceptional things the club is doing in the community—is a great feat, and we couldn’t be prouder to have Republic FC receive the inaugural USL Impact Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity.”

Each year, Republic FC partners with the Sacramento LGBT Center to create a Pride month celebration that will reach new audiences, provide resources for LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates, and share the club’s platform as a stage to promote inclusivity and support.

For eight years, Republic FC has marched in Pride parades, created special merchandise lines that showcase support and contribute to local causes, and provided aspiring scholars with a grant for their first year in college. Due to COVID-19, 2020’s celebrations turned virtual – but with fans back in the stands this year, and new challenges facing the community, Republic FC and its partners developed unique programs and community investments for 2021.

As many industries suffered during the shutdowns of COVID-19, LGBTQ+ businesses and employees around the country felt the impact. According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the LGBTQ+ community accounts for $917 billion in spending and $1.7 trillion in America’s economy.

To help lift up the small businesses in Sacramento that support neighborhoods and add to our regional economy, Republic FC, Suncrest Bank, and The Sacramento Rainbow Chamber launched an LGBTQ+ focused version of the club’s Kickstart grant program to provide $10,500 for business owners reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. 30 local businesses, spanning eight industries, were nominated within a week. All nominees also received access to free educational services and consulting opportunities from Suncrest Bank to help bridge the resource gap that many minority businesses may experience. Fans selected a top five, who would pitch a panel of local LGBT and business leaders – with five organizations earning a share of the $10,500 grant pool.

“Thank you Sacramento Republic FC and Suncrest Bank for the incredible opportunity that gave the LGBTQ+ small businesses of Sacramento this chance to be part of the Kickstart grant program,” said Republic FC Kickstart Grant winner Carin Humphrey, owner and operator of Little Sparrow Childcare. “The struggles small businesses faced during the pandemic were detrimental and to be able to be granted funds to help us get back on track is just amazing!”

In addition to Republic FC Kickstart, the club built upon its annual traditions throughout Pride month to showcase support and provide opportunities to highlight local LGBTQ+ leaders.

3rd Annual Pride Scholarship

In partnership with the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, Republic FC awarded $1,000 to a local student exhibiting leadership skills in the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s recipient—Oscar Quezada— serves as a mentor for young people by providing youth engagement opportunities at the Sacramento Children’s Museum and is committed to giving more LGBTQ+ youth and people of color opportunities in acting a production.

Playing for Pride

Republic FC players Cam Iwasa, Duke Lacroix, and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu participated in this annual campaign, raising funds for Athlete Ally and the Black Women’s Player’s Collective. For its coaching staff, the club also purchased shirts promoting diverse voices in sports, with proceeds going to Athlete Ally.

Pride Merchandise Collection

Twenty percent of proceeds from this special merchandise capsule were donated to the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, NAMI Sacramento, and Gender Health Center.

Kevin Nagle Indomitable Spirit Award

Each match, the club honors a community leader, advocate, or coach who strives to make Sacramento a better place to live, work, and play. During the annual Pride match on June 26, Republic FC honored Sacramento LGBT Community Center Chief Program Officer Koby Rodriguez as the KNISA recipient. Koby leads the Sacramento LGBT Community Center in programming, ranging from Health, Latinx outreach, youth, and housing programs, working tirelessly to create a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive.