Community

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.

Last month, the Republic FC’s Community Investment team gathered with local nonprofit organizations at Jackrabbit Brewing in West Sacramento to highlight the club’s community work and partnership opportunities for the 2022 season. Over 100 organizations from around the region attended, leaving with new opportunities, contacts, and getting an understanding of the Club’s social responsibility priorities.

Each year, Republic FC partners with numerous non-profit and community first organizations with the goal of making Sacramento a better place to live, work, and play through the beautiful game. Whether it’s donating to incredible causes, offering scholarships to the region’s hard-working students, or giving under-privileged youth an amazing experience at a match or in their own backyard, the club takes every opportunity to serve Sacramentans from all reaches through mutually beneficial programming.

“At the end of the day, it was amazing being with others who want to make Sacramento a better place,” said Republic FC Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick. “It feels good to help each organization gain a better understanding of our social responsibility priorities, and ways we can partner together moving forward.”

“It was a great opportunity to meet some of the other major players working in the non-profit sector and to hear about some of the great work being done in the city.” said Senior Direct Services Manager of International Rescue Committee, Tristan Hudak.

Each season, Republic FC hosts a mixer with nonprofit leaders to share their work, accomplishments, and ways to partner.  In the last three years, the Indomitable Club has provided more than $1.1M of in-kind investment back in to the Sacramento Region – and hosts this event to share opportunities to get involved.

To learn more about ways you can connect your nonprofit organization to the Club, visit SacRepublicFC.com/community.

On Tuesday, March 29, the club’s Community Investment team invites organizations from across the region to come together for an upcoming mixer, where you can learn about our community work, and ways that we can partner with your organization this season. 

Each year, Republic FC partners with numerous non-profit and community first organizations with the goal of making Sacramento a better place to live, work, and play through the beautiful game. Whether it’s donating to incredible causes, offering scholarships to the region’s hard-working students, or giving under-privileged youth an amazing experience at a match or in their own backyard, the club takes every opportunity to serve Sacramentans from all reaches through mutually beneficial programming.  

Tuesday’s mixer will give local organizations an opportunity to learn more about the club’s goals and plans, the opportunity to plug in to accessible programs such as donations and club appearances, and hear directly from club staff.

“The Sacramento area’s non-profit organizations are what give us the ability to support the region, and make the impact we want to make,” said Republic FC VP of Community Investment Scott Moak. “Without them, we couldn’t connect with individuals from all backgrounds and neighborhoods and create new opportunities for fans to connect with the club.”

In just the last month, Republic FC has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a local student in partnership with the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, assisted veterans at American Legion Post 521 in Rio Linda with facility restoration, and given elementary school students the chance to learn from professional players. Throughout the 2022 season, more projects designed to give back are planned, including programs for local youth, students, and organizations that serve important social and economic causes.

Ahead of the 2022 season opener, Republic FC embarked on a week-long effort to give back to the community. On March 10, a group of players and front office staff, including Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, made a trip to Rio Linda to offer a helping hand to veterans at American Legion Post 521.

The mission was simple- in early 2020; the community staple saw its facility suffer major structural damage, leaving its main event hall unusable. Since, it’s been a long road to get it restored, and Republic FC was more than happy to assist by moving furniture, refrigerators, and equipment in the way of the next step of the project. The space had been a centerpiece of the community in Rio Linda since 1934 as a gathering place for events, celebrations and more.

The Post is headed by Commander Calvin Coley, who has overseen the space’s restoration from the beginning. When their insurance claim to initiate the repairs was denied, Coley led efforts to solicit their members and neighbors for help, donations, and labor to get their beloved event hall back in business. However, it hasn’t been easy.

The experience clearly left a mark on those who participated, as well. Serving the area’s veterans is a constant focus for Republic FC, and last Thursday’s effort, while small step in an otherwise big project, hit their intent on the head.

In the coming months, Coley and the team at Post 521 will continue restoring the space, with the goal of completing the project in the next few months. When they get it back, it will again be the primary gathering space for those in Rio Linda, ready for regular use by the posts members, their families, and many more.

As a part of the club’s celebration of Black History Month in February, Republic FC partnered with the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce to present a $1,000 scholarship to a local student as a part of the Indomitable Scholars series. Following a thorough review process by a group of Republic FC and SBCC staff, as well as a few Republic FC players, the club awarded Marleah Berry the first Indomitable Scholars award of 2022 on the pitch during Sacramento’s friendly match against Monterey Bay FC.

Berry is a senior at Christian Brothers High School. From a young age, she devoted much of her time to working with children, initially helping her mother – a preschool teacher in Sacramento – with a myriad of tasks to better the experience and care of her young students. Eventually, she moved on to volunteering, tutoring, and even served as a children’s camp counselor, supporting kids of all ages in the classroom and out in the world. At each stop, she’s taken every opportunity to go above and beyond and offer more than she signed up to provide, ensuring every child she worked with got the attention they needed.

“Whenever I work with children, I am pulled into the world in which they live—a world of innocence, adventure, and joy,” says Berry. “Children inspire me to approach every problem with optimism, and to absorb every new piece of information I can, as I did when I was their age. Whether I’m admiring their finger paintings or reviewing their multiplication tables, the brutal honesty and contagious giggles of the children I work with never fail to make me smile.”

Following her graduation this spring, Berry plans to pursue a four-year degree in psychology, and eventually a career as a child psychologist. Long-term, she wants to give children the tools to grow, and work towards creating a future where every child has a healthy environment to live in from the very beginning.

Each year, the Indomitable Scholars series has recognized students in the Sacramento region who show exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement. Since 2019, the program has helped six local students pursue their educational goals and move on to two or four-year colleges and universities in partnership with local organizations. Republic FC plans to honor additional students for their service to the Sacramento community later this year.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — To celebrate the beginning of its 9^th USL Championship season, Sacramento Republic FC will host a series of events and activations that invest in the region, as well as announce new partnerships rooted in supporting the club’s community priorities and fan experience. The week will lead into the club’s match on Saturday, March 12 at Heart Health Park when the Boys in Old Glory Red will host El Paso Locomotive FC.

“We have an exciting year ahead of us and none of it would be possible without the support from the best fans in the league and our incredible community,” said Republic FC Owner and CEO Kevin Nagle. “Before we take to the field on Saturday and hear the roar of the crowd, we want to stand with those that support us, and help make our community a better place.”

On Tuesday, March 8, Midfielder Nick Ross and Republic FC’s Youth Camps and Clinics coaches are taking over physical education classes at Robla Elementary School. In addition to getting the opportunity to workout with a professional soccer player, each student will receive a soccer ball as well as tickets to a Republic FC game.

On Wednesday March 9, it’s all about heart health – when Republic FC players, coaches and Front Office staff will take part in a CPR class provided by Medic Ambulance. Last May, the Indomitable Club announced that the team’s home stadium would be renamed Heart Health Park, calling attention to the importance of community health. Since then, Heart Health Park has hosted several community wellness events and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and introduced more “heart-healthy” food options – with much more to come this season.

On Thursday, March 10, a squad of volunteers will travel to Rio Vista to help the veterans at American Legion Post 178 recondition their facility. The volunteers at Post 178 provide local youth with mentoring opportunities and assist veterans and service members, and with the help of Republic FC’s volunteer corps, the facility will be in a better condition to help the American Legion meet its mission.

As part of the club’s celebration of International Women’s Day, the team will close out the week on Friday, March 11 with a special All-Girls Soccer Camp in partnership with Land Park Soccer Club. This free clinic is open to girls ages 6-16 and all skill levels. Participants will learn more about soccer, gain important social and collaborative skills, and have an opportunity to learn about careers in sports from women in Republic FC’s front office. Proud girl-dad and Head Coach Mark Briggs will be in attendance and help with clinic coaching and instruction. Registration is open at SacRepublicFC.com/camps-clinics/. 

All of these events and more lead up to the club’s 2022 Season Opener on Saturday, March 12 at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and All of these events and more lead up to the club’s 2022 Season Opener on Saturday, March 12 at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and fans can claim tickets at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets. Fans in attendance will receive special opening night giveaways, including a cheer card and a blanket presented by UC Davis Health. The match will also be broadcast live on 40.2 Antenna TV in English and Spanish, as well as streaming live on the Fox40 mobile app, on smart televisions and through FOX40.com. The match will also be available on ESPN+.

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.

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

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.

“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.