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Sacramento, Calif. – Five local, black-owned businesses, as selected by Republic FC fans and voters throughout the region, will compete in the final round of the crowdsourced Republic FC Kickstart finals. The program was created to assist black-owned small businesses in the greater Sacramento Region facing economic challenges through the pandemic and will distribute a $5,000 grand prize grant, as well as a $2,500 award and three $1,000 grants.

In one week, over 5,000 ballots were cast for over 50 different businesses different industries and fields — health & fitness, technology, restaurants and culinary creators, fashion, art, education and much more – with five local companies rising to the top. 

This week, the five finalists will present their business with a brief video to a panel of local community leaders including Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Azizza Davis Goines, Media host Big Al Sams, and Savvy Consulting Founder Jovan Agee, as well as a panelist from program sponsor Suncrest Bank and Republic FC. 

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are: 

Classy Hippie Tea Company
Classy Hippie Tea Co. is a wellness brand that specializes in T.E.A. at its foundation. We currently create wellness experiences centered around our love of tea, with plans to produce our own CA grown tea in the future. Learn more at classyhippieteaco.com. 

Feed Sacramento Homeless
Feed Sacramento Homeless is a culturally diverse grassroots non-profit organization that value respect, integrity, and loyalty in our delivery of family-oriented resources. Feed Sacramento Homeless was established to provide mobile resources for the homeless and low-income communities that are unable to provide transportation for self and family for the everyday necessities of life. Learn more at feedsacramentohomeless.org.

Hundreds Unit
The Hundreds Unit is an empowerment, diverse large group of women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicities, that workout to perform at professional events, which attract audiences by the hundreds and thousands. Learn more at 100sunit.com.

Playmakers Elite Sports Academy
The Mission of Playmakers Elite Sports Academy is to empower and transform the lives of young people by “Bridging the Gap” between real life expectations and what is provided through K-12 education. Our belief is that if we can create a facility that provides social, educational and recreational programs – then we can minimize or eliminate excuses by removing societal barriers, and paving the way to the road of success. Learn more at pmesa.org.

Sugar Coated Cupcakes
Sugar Coated Cupcakes is main offering is our delicious Gourmet Cupcakes. Being in the Farm to Fork capital, we pride ourselves on using the freshest ingredients possible and are intentional in our purchase and support of local farmers and growers; for everything from our fruits to our butter and to our eggs. In addition to our Regular options we offer Vegan and Gluten-free by special request. Learn more at sugarcoatedcupcakes.com.

The grand prize winner, as well as the additional prize winners, will be announced the first week of October. For additional information about Republic FC Kickstart, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/suncrestbank. 

The beautiful game brings joy to people around the world, creates new connections every time a ball is passed, and ignites a fire within every fan, competitor, and friend of the game. 

On Tuesday morning, the pure joy that comes from just taking to the pitch was on full display when Michael W. was presented with a brand-new power soccer chair, thanks to the incredible team at Make-A-Wish and the Sacramento Republic FC Foundation. 

The beautiful game brings joy to people around the world, creates new connections every time a ball is passed, and ignites a fire within every fan, competitor, and friend of the game. 

On Tuesday morning, the pure joy that comes from just taking to the pitch was on full display when Michael W. was presented with a brand-new power soccer chair, thanks to the incredible team at Make-A-Wish and the Sacramento Republic FC Foundation. 

Michael battles Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, but his determination and indomitable spirt make him a force on the power soccer pitch. The sport is played in on a standard-sized basketball court. Each team is allowed 4 players on the court at one time, including the goalkeeper. A match consists of two 20-minute periods. 

Michael battles Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, but his determination and indomitable spirt make him a force on the power soccer pitch. The sport is played in on a standard-sized basketball court. Each team is allowed 4 players on the court at one time, including the goalkeeper. A match consists of two 20-minute periods. 

“I never thought I could play a sport and then my friend told me about Power Soccer,” said Michael. “I've been playing for a few months and have already been asked to go to the National Conference.”

Michael joined the Sac Valley Flames, coached by Margo Roeckl, last December, and hasn’t looked back. He’s one of the club’s goalkeepers who were preparing to head to Conference Cup Series in Fort Wayne, Indiana originally scheduled for this June, yet to be postponed due to the pandemic. Micheal’s first chair was a rental, and didn’t have the same speed, force and sharpness that his competitors have. 

“I never thought I could play a sport and then my friend told me about Power Soccer,” said Michael. “I’ve been playing for a few months and have already been asked to go to the National Conference.”

Michael joined the Sac Valley Flames, coached by Margo Roeckl, last December, and hasn’t looked back. He’s one of the club’s goalkeepers who were preparing to head to Conference Cup Series in Fort Wayne, Indiana originally scheduled for this June, yet to be postponed due to the pandemic. Micheal’s first chair was a rental, and didn’t have the same speed, force and sharpness that his competitors have. 

But on Tuesday, Michael and his teammates joined Republic FC at the club’s training grounds for a special surprise. With Republic FC players and leadership on staff, the group got to talk about the game they all love, and learn more about the ways it can be played. Although the Flames may not have been able to compete this season, they did make some new friends and fans. And just before the day ended, the club surprised Michael with his own Heritage Kit, and rolled out a brand-new power chair. With a new chair at the ready, Michael was already to take on the competition and defend the goal.

“Michael has a true passion for soccer and this has been something that’s really given him so much passion in life, you know, especially in the last year and a half,” Jennifer Stolo, the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Northern California and Northern Nevada. 

But on Tuesday, Michael and his teammates joined Republic FC at the club’s training grounds for a special surprise. With Republic FC players and leadership on staff, the group got to talk about the game they all love, and learn more about the ways it can be played. Although the Flames may not have been able to compete this season, they did make some new friends and fans. And just before the day ended, the club surprised Michael with his own Heritage Kit, and rolled out a brand-new power chair. With a new chair at the ready, Michael was already to take on the competition and defend the goal.

“Michael has a true passion for soccer and this has been something that’s really given him so much passion in life, you know, especially in the last year and a half,” Jennifer Stolo, the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Northern California and Northern Nevada. 

That passion was on display as Michael stopped shot after shot from Republic FC winger Villyan Bijev. His new chair, replacing his rental chair, gave him the speed to cover the net – forwards and backwards – and the force to snap passes back to the crowd cheering him on. 

That passion was on display as Michael stopped shot after shot from Republic FC winger Villyan Bijev. His new chair, replacing his rental chair, gave him the speed to cover the net – forwards and backwards – and the force to snap passes back to the crowd cheering him on. 

“What he overcomes along with his teammates at the flames, their outlook is incredibly positive, they come together as a team, we can all learn from that. We can all relate to that,” said Republic FC President and COO Ben Gumpert. “Soccer is played in every corner of the world and in every corner of Sacramento — diversity of background… diversity of situation… you name it. Everybody can play.”

After a mini-training session in his new chair with Bijev, Michael sent a message to his future opponents. With the region’s press corps in attendance, Michael warned all of the other power soccer players who compete “You’re not going to get anything in.” 

To learn more about power soccer and to follow the Sac Valley Flames when they resume play, visit PowerSoccerUSA.org. 

“What he overcomes along with his teammates at the flames, their outlook is incredibly positive, they come together as a team, we can all learn from that. We can all relate to that,” said Republic FC President and COO Ben Gumpert. “Soccer is played in every corner of the world and in every corner of Sacramento — diversity of background… diversity of situation… you name it. Everybody can play.”

After a mini-training session in his new chair with Bijev, Michael sent a message to his future opponents. With the region’s press corps in attendance, Michael warned all of the other power soccer players who compete “You’re not going to get anything in.” 

To learn more about power soccer and to follow the Sac Valley Flames when they resume play, visit PowerSoccerUSA.org. 

Republic FC Academy’s objective has always been helping develop young local soccer players into emerging stars of tomorrow and providing an integrated pathway to becoming a professional player for our first team. 

Recognizing the high level of coaching and players coming from our local community, Republic FC Academy created a collaborative U-12 program that allows for players to participate in consistent training opportunities throughout the year while remaining with their club team. This enables our Academy staff to build connections and work with specifically identified players who can be monitored and assessed over time, helping improve our identification and selection process. 

Republic FC Academy’s objective has always been helping develop young local soccer players into emerging stars of tomorrow and providing an integrated pathway to becoming a professional player for our first team. 

Recognizing the high level of coaching and players coming from our local community, Republic FC Academy created a collaborative U-12 program that allows for players to participate in consistent training opportunities throughout the year while remaining with their club team. This enables our Academy staff to build connections and work with specifically identified players who can be monitored and assessed over time, helping improve our identification and selection process. 

Through our club relationships, scouting network, and talent identification process, players are invited to work with the Republic FC Academy coaching staff, including U-13 and U-12 Head Coach, Brian Willey, who has been with the Academy since its inauguration in 2015 and seen the evolution of the Academy process firsthand.

Through our club relationships, scouting network, and talent identification process, players are invited to work with the Republic FC Academy coaching staff, including U-13 and U-12 Head Coach, Brian Willey, who has been with the Academy since its inauguration in 2015 and seen the evolution of the Academy process firsthand.

“I’ve been here since day one and I feel like the academy keeps getting better and better,” said U13 and U12 coach Brian Willey. “I’m from Sacramento so it’s an honor to be able to work for the local professional club.”

Willey knows full well the importance of working with the local clubs and encouraging the growth of all players in every age group across the region. And the coach believes it’s a win-win for the Indomitable Club and local clubs to work together in supporting the next generation of Sacramento soccer players. 

“There are a lot of very good coaches and clubs consistently developing players across our region,” Willey said. “Their top players are getting an extra night of football at a high level, with and against some of the best players in our area. It is a great supplement to what the clubs are offering. We want to place them in an environment where we can see them challenged against the best and see how they manage adverse situations.”

Willey has laid the groundwork for a successful program at the U12 level with Republic FC, but he’s equally committed to working collaboratively with the local clubs. Once the former US Soccer Developmental Academy officially removed the U12 league , Republic FC opted to create the hybrid model that allowed players to remain with their local club for an additional year while still being introduced to the SRFC academy training environment and club culture. Ultimately, working alongside the regional clubs was an ideal option to build relationships both internally and externally and also expand the player pool across the region. From a Republic FC Academy standpoint, it’s a perfect opportunity to help support local clubs while identifying the next potential homegrown to make a first team debut. 

“I’ve been here since day one and I feel like the academy keeps getting better and better,” said U13 and U12 coach Brian Willey. “I’m from Sacramento so it’s an honor to be able to work for the local professional club.”

Willey knows full well the importance of working with the local clubs and encouraging the growth of all players in every age group across the region. And the coach believes it’s a win-win for the Indomitable Club and local clubs to work together in supporting the next generation of Sacramento soccer players. 

“There are a lot of very good coaches and clubs consistently developing players across our region,” Willey said. “Their top players are getting an extra night of football at a high level, with and against some of the best players in our area. It is a great supplement to what the clubs are offering. We want to place them in an environment where we can see them challenged against the best and see how they manage adverse situations.”

Willey has laid the groundwork for a successful program at the U12 level with Republic FC, but he’s equally committed to working collaboratively with the local clubs. Once the former US Soccer Developmental Academy officially removed the U12 league , Republic FC opted to create the hybrid model that allowed players to remain with their local club for an additional year while still being introduced to the SRFC academy training environment and club culture. Ultimately, working alongside the regional clubs was an ideal option to build relationships both internally and externally and also expand the player pool across the region. From a Republic FC Academy standpoint, it’s a perfect opportunity to help support local clubs while identifying the next potential homegrown to make a first team debut. 

“Through our U12 Center of Excellence Program, we will identify players, who with our guidance, can embody Republic FC’s player characteristics within our environment over time. Each player’s developmental process is unique, which is why it is important to work with and monitor as many players as possible over time as they continue to develop. Once a player enters our Academy, our staff helps foster a learning environment where each player can cultivate a growth mindset and become their best self,” Republic FC Academy Director Dennis Sanchez said.   

“Through our U12 Center of Excellence Program, we will identify players, who with our guidance, can embody Republic FC’s player characteristics within our environment over time. Each player’s developmental process is unique, which is why it is important to work with and monitor as many players as possible over time as they continue to develop. Once a player enters our Academy, our staff helps foster a learning environment where each player can cultivate a growth mindset and become their best self,” Republic FC Academy Director Dennis Sanchez said.   

While a group of individuals are selected each year for their respective team, new additions are brought into the Academy environment each year to create more internal competition. “My message to the players who are not selected is that this is by no means the end of your journey. We encourage them to believe in their abilities and to keep working each day within their club environment on their strengths and areas of growth while we monitor their development over time,” Willey explained. 

The success of the U-12 Center of Excellence program was clearly evident, with almost all players selected for the 2020-2021 U-13 Academy team having trained in the supplemental program over this past year. This group was formed through the collaboration of working with over 20 clubs across our region and over 80 players throughout the course of the year.

The hope is that the Center of Excellence program will be one of first initial steps for players to enter Sacramento Republic’s pathway capitalize on the opportunity like Mario Penagos, Hayden Sargis, Julian Chavez, and most recently, Rafael Jauregui have done. 

“I was out at first team training recently and I was excited to see the integration of a number of academy players out there,” Willey said. “It has been great to see Mario [Penagos] get minutes and Hayden [Sargis] solidify his starting role with the first team. We’ve come a long way as an Academy and it’s wonderful to see the increased integration within the club and our Academy players contributing to the first team’s success. Just look at last week’s first team match in Portland against Timbers 2 where Penagos and JuJu scored two late goals to secure the win. These kids are making an impact at the professional now and I’m extremely proud of all the hard work they’ve put in.”

While a group of individuals are selected each year for their respective team, new additions are brought into the Academy environment each year to create more internal competition. “My message to the players who are not selected is that this is by no means the end of your journey. We encourage them to believe in their abilities and to keep working each day within their club environment on their strengths and areas of growth while we monitor their development over time,” Willey explained. 

The success of the U-12 Center of Excellence program was clearly evident, with almost all players selected for the 2020-2021 U-13 Academy team having trained in the supplemental program over this past year. This group was formed through the collaboration of working with over 20 clubs across our region and over 80 players throughout the course of the year.

The hope is that the Center of Excellence program will be one of first initial steps for players to enter Sacramento Republic’s pathway capitalize on the opportunity like Mario Penagos, Hayden Sargis, Julian Chavez, and most recently, Rafael Jauregui have done. 

“I was out at first team training recently and I was excited to see the integration of a number of academy players out there,” Willey said. “It has been great to see Mario [Penagos] get minutes and Hayden [Sargis] solidify his starting role with the first team. We’ve come a long way as an Academy and it’s wonderful to see the increased integration within the club and our Academy players contributing to the first team’s success. Just look at last week’s first team match in Portland against Timbers 2 where Penagos and JuJu scored two late goals to secure the win. These kids are making an impact at the professional now and I’m extremely proud of all the hard work they’ve put in.”

Like Penagos and Sargis, Jauregui was a Republic FC Academy standout whose hard work and trust in the program allowed the 15-year-old to flourish and he has since earned his first-career first team opportunity – now the Indomitable Club’s youngest player to feature in a league match. The same can be said about 18-year-old Julian Chavez who already has one career USL game-winning goal to his name.  

Like Penagos and Sargis, Jauregui was a Republic FC Academy standout whose hard work and trust in the program allowed the 15-year-old to flourish and he has since earned his first-career first team opportunity – now the Indomitable Club’s youngest player to feature in a league match. The same can be said about 18-year-old Julian Chavez who already has one career USL game-winning goal to his name.  

Our current U-12 Center of Excellence program is currently on hold due to COVID. Future training dates are to be determined and will be communicated accordingly to each club. Please visit our Talent Identification page for updated information.    

Our current U-12 Center of Excellence program is currently on hold due to COVID. Future training dates are to be determined and will be communicated accordingly to each club. Please visit our Talent Identification page for updated information.    

Mark Briggs’ men have not been defeated in nine consecutive matches as the squad continues to climb for the summit of Group A. 

Reno 1868 FC still have the top spot in the group – above Republic FC by five points – but the Indomitable Club’s regional rival haven’t locked in first place just yet. Saturday night’s heavyweight bout between both clubs in Nevada is a massive one and as long as Sacramento can secure a win or draw, SRFC would still be in the race for first. A win would be ideal because if this weekend’s contest ends in a draw, all 1868 FC needs is one point over its last two fixtures to secure the top spot. 

The winner of Group A will take on the runner-up from Group B which is still very much up for grabs. Phoenix Rising FC is four points clear at the top with a game in-hand on a second place San Diego Loyal SC side that have 22 points from 14 matches. LA Galaxy II have only played 12 matches and sit on 21 points while Orange County SC through 13 games have 21 points as well. If Phoenix takes the top spot, it’s a three-team race for the second and final seed that will ultimately visit the Group A winner in the opening round. 

Mark Briggs’ men have not been defeated in nine consecutive matches as the squad continues to climb for the summit of Group A. 

Reno 1868 FC still have the top spot in the group – above Republic FC by five points – but the Indomitable Club’s regional rival haven’t locked in first place just yet. Saturday night’s heavyweight bout between both clubs in Nevada is a massive one and as long as Sacramento can secure a win or draw, SRFC would still be in the race for first. A win would be ideal because if this weekend’s contest ends in a draw, all 1868 FC needs is one point over its last two fixtures to secure the top spot. 

The winner of Group A will take on the runner-up from Group B which is still very much up for grabs. Phoenix Rising FC is four points clear at the top with a game in-hand on a second place San Diego Loyal SC side that have 22 points from 14 matches. LA Galaxy II have only played 12 matches and sit on 21 points while Orange County SC through 13 games have 21 points as well. If Phoenix takes the top spot, it’s a three-team race for the second and final seed that will ultimately visit the Group A winner in the opening round. 

Group A’s second place side will have to go on the road and take on Group B’s top squad – likely Rising FC in Arizona. Three first half goals from San Diego last Saturday saw the SoCal club upset Rising FC in Phoenix so anything can still happen in the Group B standings. Crucial clashes are on the horizon as Loyal SC visit Los Dos on Wednesday night while Phoenix hosts Orange County on Saturday night. 

Group A’s second place side will have to go on the road and take on Group B’s top squad – likely Rising FC in Arizona. Three first half goals from San Diego last Saturday saw the SoCal club upset Rising FC in Phoenix so anything can still happen in the Group B standings. Crucial clashes are on the horizon as Loyal SC visit Los Dos on Wednesday night while Phoenix hosts Orange County on Saturday night. 

Group C already has El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United locked into the 2020 playoffs, but the first-place spot is still up in the air. However, it can be secured this weekend when Locomotive FC – on 27 points – hosts United – on 23 points – and a win for the Texan club will ensure a home game in the opening round of the postseason. 

San Antonio FC has already solidified its place at the top of Group D while FC Tulsa, Austin Bold FC and OKC Energy FC are all still in contention for the second spot. Tulsa’s 16 points is one above Austin – and seven above OKC – but the table could shake up following this weekend’s fixtures as Tulsa hosts San Antonio and Austin visits Oklahoma City. 

In the east, all four clubs are mathematically in contention with Louisville City FC leading the brigade with 29 points from 14 games. On 22 points is Indy Eleven while Saint Louis FC sits on 21 and Sporting KC II has earned 13 points from 13 matches. Indy hosts Saint Louis is a massive midweek matchup then four days later, Saint Louis returns home to host Louisville in what could be SLFC’s climb to come within one point of the top spot. 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Hartford Athletic have secured their spots in the postseason from Group F while Group G sees Birmingham Legion FC – 25 points – and Charlotte Independence – 24 points – fighting for first with North Carolina FC on 13 points still hoping for a miraculous late season push into the postseason.  

Group C already has El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United locked into the 2020 playoffs, but the first-place spot is still up in the air. However, it can be secured this weekend when Locomotive FC – on 27 points – hosts United – on 23 points – and a win for the Texan club will ensure a home game in the opening round of the postseason. 

San Antonio FC has already solidified its place at the top of Group D while FC Tulsa, Austin Bold FC and OKC Energy FC are all still in contention for the second spot. Tulsa’s 16 points is one above Austin – and seven above OKC – but the table could shake up following this weekend’s fixtures as Tulsa hosts San Antonio and Austin visits Oklahoma City. 

In the east, all four clubs are mathematically in contention with Louisville City FC leading the brigade with 29 points from 14 games. On 22 points is Indy Eleven while Saint Louis FC sits on 21 and Sporting KC II has earned 13 points from 13 matches. Indy hosts Saint Louis is a massive midweek matchup then four days later, Saint Louis returns home to host Louisville in what could be SLFC’s climb to come within one point of the top spot. 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Hartford Athletic have secured their spots in the postseason from Group F while Group G sees Birmingham Legion FC – 25 points – and Charlotte Independence – 24 points – fighting for first with North Carolina FC on 13 points still hoping for a miraculous late season push into the postseason.