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.
