Community

Republic FC’s Annual Winter Wishlist Coat & Toy Drive Returns to Provide 2,300 Students with Holiday Cheer

Beginning today, Republic FC fans and community members can donate new coats and toys for kids ages 5-12 through December 11th at the Republic FC Team Store (1050 20th Street, Suite 200) or any of the Zocalo locations throughout the Sacramento region.

On Thursday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Republic FC, Paratransit and Robla School District will collect donations – new jackets, sizes youth XS – XL and 5 – 14, and new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5-12 – at Cal Expo’s Main Gate. The team hopes to match last year’s goal and stuff a full-size Robla School District bus with toys and gifts for the students. Monetary donations to purchase new coats and toys are also accepted at www.sacrepublicfc.com/wishlist.

As fans and community members are doing their own holiday shopping online, they can select from a range of age-appropriate toys and coats from an Amazon Wishlist, developed with the Robla School District students specifically in mind. Gifts range from $10 to $30, and will be delivered when all of the toys and coats are distributed before the holidays.

“The reality is, these kids and families in the Robla School District struggle,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “They are too often forgotten about and consistently left behind, and if it weren’t for the wonderful teachers and administrators in their school district, they would have next to nothing during this holiday season. This is why it is our honor and duty to step in, rally our fans and the community, and help.”

Before the students break for the holidays, Republic FC, Paratransit and Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services will prepare gifts for the students and their families, and deliver them throughout North Sacramento. Paratransit will use a specially designed shuttle to collect toys and coats, and to distribute them in December. Each delivery will include a special holiday meal kit, in addition to a new winter coat and toys.

Robla School District is one of the oldest school districts in the region, and faces many challenges students and families, including addressing the digital divide, widening resource gaps, and elements beyond the classroom like health and wellness. Ninety percent of the district’s families live at or below the federal poverty line, with 20% of the students unable to call a permanent address home. The staff and teachers in the district are not just educators, but often a lifeline and resource for daily life.

For more information and a full list of dropoff locations, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/wishlist.

#ThankYouCam: Community Means More than Home

While Cam Iwasa has undoubtedly earned a spot in Republic FC and USL Championship history, he has also become a champion in the Sacramento community.

“Cam isn’t just from Sacramento, he personifies what is best about our City,” said Scott Moak, Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment. “He stays connected to his roots and never forgets his past. He gives back to help make this City a better place to live in and call home. And he always gets up…even when the odds are stacked against him and obstacles seemingly impede his path, he breaks them down and pushes forward. I am going to miss him and will be forever thankful for what he gave to this Club.”

Ahead of Cam's final game in professional soccer this Saturday, we take a look back at some his most memorable community projects.

While Cam Iwasa has undoubtedly earned a spot in Republic FC and USL Championship history, he has also become a champion in the Sacramento community.

Ahead of Cam’s final game in professional soccer this Saturday, we take a look back at some his most memorable community projects.

UC Davis Children's Hospital

Ever since his first season with Republic FC in 2015, Iwasa has become a familiar face at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, visiting with children going through treatment. When Cam’s Community Collectibles shirt launched earlier this season, he selected to have proceeds benefit UC Davis Health Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Departments, saying “the UC Davis Health visits have always been my favorite community activations—connecting with the kids who are so happy despite their health challenges, it always brings a smile to my face.”

UC Davis Children’s Hospital

Folsom State Prison

Cam also joined the monthly matches at Folsom State Prison, coaching inmates and front office staff—a very different and eye-opening experience for the son of a law enforcement officer. Through visits to Folsom, Cam got to see first-hand how the game of soccer can connect people in vastly different situations: “There was a guy who was in here playing with us, and when he got released, the first thing he did was come to a Sac Republic game. He said that it meant so much that we treated him like a human and showed him compassion, which is why we step outside of our comfort zone for these monthly matches.”

Folsom State Prison

Sac Valley Flames / Power Chair Soccer

Iwasa was first introduced to the Sac Valley Flames and Power Chair Soccer in 2020, when the Indomitable Club worked with Make-a-Wish to present 19-year-old Michael with a brand-new power soccer wheelchair. Michael, who has muscular dystrophy, plays for local club Sac Valley Flames. Since their introduction, has become intertwined with the team, inviting them out to matches and even hopping in the chair for a training session.

Sac Valley Flames / Power Chair Soccer

St. Baldrick's Foundation

For two seasons, Iwasa “braved the shave” with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising hundreds of dollars for childhood cancer research.

“The kids battling cancer are warriors and are going through something that is so much harder than anything I go through as an athlete, so shaving my head was a small sacrifice I was willing to make.”

One thing that Cam wasn’t prepared for his first year with St. Baldrick’s? Getting a sunburn on the top of his head. But by the time the next year came around, Iwasa was armed with plenty of sunscreen.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation

For two seasons, Iwasa “braved the shave” with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising hundreds of dollars for childhood cancer research.

Republic FC will celebrate Cam’s accomplished career and commitment to Sacramento throughout the week, leading up to the final home game of the 2021 season – Fan Appreciation Night – on Saturday, October 30. Using the hashtag #ThankYouCam on the team’s social channels, fans can submit their favorite stories, memories, photos, and videos of Cam. On Saturday, every fan in attendance will receive a commemorative cheer card. Throughout the pre-game, fans will have the opportunity to win Iwasa and Republic FC prizes, leading up to a ceremony prior to kickoff.

The Indomitable Club will close out the season against San Diego Loyal SC at Heart Health Park, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Fan Appreciation Night are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com/single-match-tickets. The match will be broadcast locally on KQCA My58 and Estrella TV Sacramento, as well as streaming on ESPN+.

Sat. Oct. 23: Republic FC Partners with Sacramento Covered to Host 21st Annual Healthy Sacramento Day at Heart Health Park

Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC and Sacramento Covered are partnering to host the 21st Annual Healthy Sacramento Day at the club’s home stadium, Heart Health Park, on Saturday, October 23, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. This free event is designed to bring numerous health and wellness services directly to residents in the region.

The event is open to people of all ages, and services are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many services will be available, completely free of charge: fruits and vegetables, flu shots, COVID-19 vaccinations (12 years old +), COVID-19 testing, haircuts, HIV testing, basic dental and health screenings, health coverage information, and numerous other health and wellness activities.

In May, Republic FC and Western Health Advantage partnered to rename the team’s home field Heart Health Park, as part of a collaborative effort to call attention to the importance of community health and wellbeing, in place of the health insurance plan’s name. Heart Health Park has become a community center to drive awareness and action around cardiovascular disease and related ailments. This includes offering heart-healthy concession options, opening the stadium for workouts with local fitness instructors, and engaging with regional non-profits to develop additional resources and programming to put an emphasis on nutrition and an active lifestyle. The Indomitable will be onsite at Saturday’s event to distribute to distribute free match tickets and work with children to develop their soccer skills.

Sacramento Covered is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving healthcare access and care coordination for all who live in the Sacramento region, with a special focus on the most vulnerable residents. This includes non-English speakers, people who identify as BIPOC (black, indigenous, and/or person of color), non-citizen residents, and Medi-Cal eligible clients.

For more information, visit SacramentoCovered.org/HealthySacramentoDay.

Republic FC & SMUD Partner to Create STEM-Based Board Game to Launch in 10 Sacramento Region Schools

Today, Republic FC and SMUD are growing their partnership to develop a tool for teachers that will create excitement around math and science and launch a competition for students in the region. With the assistance of Learn Fresh, a non-profit dedicated to providing innovative STEM learning experiences, “STEM Goals” – a soccer-based math game, has been designed exclusively for Republic FC and SMUD to provide educators with a resource that links sports and science in a fun and engaging way.

STEM Goals brings the world’s most popular game directly into the hands of students. The board game is a simulated soccer game where 5th and 6th graders answer age-appropriate, standards-aligned questions across science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines, working up and down the field to score goals using stats from Republic FC players. Chance and action cards give students the opportunity to learn more about soccer.

“With more kids falling in love with soccer, creating a connection with math and science will inspire them to focus on building skills that will help them grow,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “With the support of our partners at SMUD and Learn Fresh, teachers now have a new, exciting tool to help students discover more about science, technology, math, engineering, and innovation.”

“SMUD is thrilled to partner once again with Sacramento Republic FC on bringing sports and STEM-driven learning experiences into Sacramento-area classrooms,” said Gary King, SMUD’s Chief Diversity Officer. “With SMUD’s goal of creating a zero carbon future for our region, our priority is to support early education in science, technology, engineering, and math for youth of all backgrounds. This partnership will equip the next generation of difference-makers with the tools to innovate, inspire, and lead the way to a cleaner future.”

To kick off the first season of STEM Goals, Republic FC and SMUD are launching a ten-school pilot tournament, where teachers will utilize the board game as a tool in their lesson plans and

instruction, leading up to a final tournament. Each school will send its champions to the STEM Goals Cup Final, to be held next year when the Republic FC season kicks off at Heart Health Park. Through a partnership with the PEAR Institute at Harvard, all of the STEM Goals participants will have an opportunity to participate in a skills assessment to see their growth through the game.

The competition kicks off today, Wednesday, October 20, when Taylor Street Elementary School will host their first competition for 5th and 6th graders in the Robla Unified School District. The top two players will face off against two members from Republic FC’s first team. SMUD Board of Directors Rosanna Herber and Rob Kerth will also be in attendance.

“Through this special partnership with Republic FC and SMUD, our students have an exciting new way to explore math and science, and our teachers and families will have a new resource to inspire learning,” said Robla School District Superintendent Ruben Reyes. “We’re looking forward to watching our kids grow and spark their interest in STEM and clean energy, which will hopefully turn into a passion beyond the classroom.”

The fast-paced board game can be played in classroom settings, as an extracurricular activity, and with families to instill a rich connection with learning. Played in two, 10-minute halves, students will aim to drive their favorite Republic FC players up the field by answering questions about science, math, technology, renewable energy, and more, to different shooting locations on the game board, with different odds based on player stats, location on the board, and more.

For almost 75 years, SMUD has invested in causes that are important to our customers, community, and the future. SMUD's 2030 Zero Carbon Plan includes the most ambitious carbon reduction goal of any large utility in the nation – to remove all carbon emissions from its power supply by 2030. Equity is central to SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan to ensure all communities benefit from carbon reduction. The Sustainable Communities effort aligns programs, goals, and investments to support healthy, vibrant, and economically sustainable neighborhoods for all. By investing in STEM education, SMUD is providing educational opportunities and partnerships to prepare and inspire students to help build an inclusive clean energy future for all.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/STEM-Goals.

For almost 75 years, SMUD has invested in causes that are important to our customers, community, and the future. SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Plan includes the most ambitious carbon reduction goal of any large utility in the nation – to remove all carbon emissions from its power supply by 2030. Equity is central to SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan to ensure all communities benefit from carbon reduction. The Sustainable Communities effort aligns programs, goals, and investments to support healthy, vibrant, and economically sustainable neighborhoods for all. By investing in STEM education, SMUD is providing educational opportunities and partnerships to prepare and inspire students to help build an inclusive clean energy future for all.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/STEM-Goals.

About SMUD

As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for nearly 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD’s power mix is about 50 percent non-carbon emitting. For more information, visit smud.org.

About SMUD

El Futuro: Two Students Awarded Scholarships for Service and Involvement Efforts

Last week, Republic FC & the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized two students for their service to the community in the form of a $1,000 scholarship.

Edgar Flores and Evelyn Medina-Gonzalez were selected as the 2021 recipients of the annual El Futuro Scholarship. This annual award recognizes Hispanic and Latinx students in the Sacramento region who show exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement. In the last three seasons, Republic FC has helped six local students pursue their educational goals through scholarship programs in partnership with local organizations.

Flores is a senior at Inderkum High School. Passionate about music and soccer, he’s pursued service in the two areas through teaching. When not in the classroom or on the field, he’s spent his free time teaching kids how to play the guitar and drums, and currently gives guitar lessons to two children. He hopes to attend a four-year university after graduation, and aspires to make a career out of his interest in music.

“I am excited to have been given this opportunity,” he said. “It is tremendous, and I can’t wait to apply this to my next chapter in life. Thank you so much to the Republic FC organization and SACHCC.”

Medina-Gonzalez is a student at Sacramento City College, with plans to transfer to Sacramento State University to pursue a degree in social work. A Sacramento native and mother of two, she’s dedicated her career thus far to helping break generational cycles of struggle, something she aims to continue as a Social Worker after finishing a four-year degree.

“I am truly honored and blessed,” said Medina Gonzalez. “I feel highly favored. Thank you to everyone who roots for me- it really means the world!”

The two awards are the second and third scholarships awarded by Republic FC in Partnership with SACHCC. Sacramento native Isabel Gatdula, who has since moved on to the University of California, Berkeley, was awarded Republic FC’s inaugural scholarship for El Futuro during the 2019 season.

Republic FC Teams Up with Raley’s and Kellogg’s to Drive $25,000 in Donations to Address Hunger and Food Insecurity in Northern California & Nevada

Throughout the month of October, Republic FC, Raley’s, and Kellogg’s are partnering to address food insecurity throughout Northern California. With support from fans and community members, the month-long program will donate up to $25,000 to support Raley’s Food For Families. Through November 2, twenty cents of every purchase of over 50 different Kellogg’s products at Northern California Raley’s, Bel Air, and Nob Hill Foods stores will help grow the donation to combat food insecurity.

“With the help of our fans and great partners, Raley’s and Kellogg’s, we can help provide a boost to the food banks and services that provide a resource to combat food insecurity,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “The incredible response to last year’s Indomitable Hands program – from donations to delivery requests – showcases how our community can come together and support those in need.”

“Raley’s Food for Families appreciates the focus that Republic FC and Kellogg’s, two great partners and leaders in our community, have on alleviating hunger,” said Becca Whitman, Executive Director of Raley’s Food for Families. “On behalf of our 12 food bank partners and their over 1,900 food distribution partner agencies, thank you for working with us to nourish our communities.”

According to Feeding America, 14.4 percent of residents and 19.3 percent of children in Sacramento County are facing food insecurity, meaning that at times, they lack access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyles for all household members or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. Funds from this campaign will be distributed to county food banks.

“As part of our Kellogg’s Better Days purpose platform, we’re helping to end hunger and are committed to creating Better Days for three billion people by the end of 2030. Partnering with Republic FC and Raley’s was an easy choice because our core values align,” said Jace Bourque, Kellogg’s Regional Director. “After seeing the success and impact of Indomitable Hand, we knew that we could partner together to create a program that will help support local food banks.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact the Sacramento Region, Republic FC and Raley’s launched the Indomitable Hands program to support home-bound seniors. The project, funded solely by donations, provided 7,500 free, ready-to-eat meals to seniors who were at-risk in the early months of the pandemic.

Kellogg’s became a Republic FC partner during the 2021 season, much of which can be attributed to the fact that the two organizations hold similar values, including a commitment to the community. This marks that the first time that Kellogg’s has worked directly with a USL Championship team.

Founded in 1986 with the goal of ending hunger locally by providing fresh and healthy food to those who need it most, Raley’s Food For Families partners with 12 Feeding America-aligned food banks throughout Northern California and Nevada to turn donations into food for 1.53 million people each month. Funded by the generosity of customers, vendors, and Raley’s team members, Food For Families has raised over $51 million and provided over 42 million meals.

For a full list of eligible Kellogg’s products or to order online for same-day delivery or pickup, visit Raleys.com.

Indomitable Club to Salute Survivors, Highlight Local Leaders, and Showcase Importance of Preventative Health Screenings

This Saturday, Republic FC will host its annual Breast Health Awareness Night, presented by UC Davis Health, when the team hosts Tacoma Defiance at Heart Health Park. Throughout the stadium, fans will see touches of pink – the color that symbolizes Breast Cancer Awareness. Pink nets and corner flags will decorate the field, and the first 2,000 fans to arrive will receive pink rally towels provided by UC Davis Health.

On Saturday, fans will have a special opportunity to support patients undergoing treatment. In the Market at Heart Health Park, match attendees will be able to write inspirational messages and words of encouragement on a 10-foot greeting card that will be displayed in the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Room for patients to read.

Republic FC is also partnering with Color to help fans, their families, and the club’s staff to make health a priority. Color offers a home saliva test to screen for inherited mutations in DNA, BCRA1 and BCRA2, that increase the risk of breast cancer. Advancements have made testing more accessible and affordable and provide crucial information that empowers patients to learn more about personal risk and take proactive preventative measures. Through the club’s partnership with Color, Republic FC’s Indomitable Women’s Network will have access to the potentially lifesaving screening, and fans in attendance at Saturday’s match will receive a coupon to purchase a test at a steep discount of $150.

“Our annual Breast Health Awareness Night serves as another reminder for our fans and community to make health a priority,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re proud to continue working with UC Davis Health to invest in community health, and thanks to our partners at Color, a potentially lifesaving screening is now more accessible and affordable. Through a simple test, families can take action to gain the information they need to make important health decisions in the future.”

The club will also highlight Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, a Sacramento-based organization that provides individuals facing or fighting breast cancer, as well as their families, with assistance including life-saving diagnostic testing, patient advocacy, prevention education, and extended services. On the concourse, fans can purchase the Hayden Sargis Community Collectible T-shirt, with proceeds going to the Republic FC Foundation and Albie Aware.

At halftime, Cheri Andrew – co-founder of Paint Sacramento Pink, will receive the Kevin Nagle Indomitable Spirit Award. Cheri is a two-time breast cancer survivor who is committed to making a difference in the lives those affected by the disease. Through her work, Cheri is committed to “paying it forward” through fundraising and advocating for breast health.

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and the match against Tacoma Defiance is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com/Single-Match-Tickets.

Cam Iwasa Community Collectibles Shirt returns to Heart Health Park on Sunday

Calling all fans, Sacramentans, and people who love donating to a good cause. Be sure to pick up a limited-edition Cam Iwasa Community Collectibles Shirt at this Sunday’s Childhood Cancer Awareness match and at the Republic FC Team Store online! Proceeds will benefit two non-profits – UC Davis Health Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department and the Republic FC Foundation.

This program—which was personally selected by Iwasa to be the beneficiary of shirt sale—helps to minimize for children and their families the anxiety of hospitalization, increase understanding, and strengthen coping skills while helping children to continue their typical growth and development. Since 2014, Republic FC players and staff have made monthly visits to the pediatric unit to visit with patients enrolled in Child Life activities.

“Having the shirt benefit UC Davis Health Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department was an easy choice,” said Iwasa. “Those visits have always been my favorite community activations—connecting with the kids who are so happy despite their health challenges, it always brings a smile to my face. It’s been difficult not being able to go in the past year and a half because of COVID, so I’m hoping that these proceeds can bring some support to the kids and staff, since we can’t be there to visit.”

In addition to Iwasa’s shirt, the other two limited-edition Community Collectibles shirts—Hayden Sargis benefiting Albie Aware and Rafa Diaz benefiting the Robla Education Foundation—will also be available for sale on Sunday.

All three shirts were designed by local artist Kaly Stormer – a member of the Artist Spotlight collective working with Republic FC. Stormer’s artwork is also on display at Arden Fair Mall now through October.

Head to the community at kiosk at Heart Health Park, located near the guest services tent – only contactless payments accepted. Shirts are $35 and are available in adult sizes, small to extra-large. On-site purchases will also come with a SRFC goodie bag that includes a water bottle and other surprises.

Additionally the entire Community Collectibles series is now available for purchase online through the Team Store.

Visit Shop.www.sacrepublicfc.com/Collections/Community-Collectibles to shop online!

Casa de Español Receives Indomitable Spirit Award on Noche Latina

Sacramento Republic FC celebrated its first Noche Latina of the 2021 season during the club’s match on Saturday against San Antonio FC. To help kick off Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, the club presented the Kevin Nagle Indomitable Spirit Award to community staple Casa de Español, and its founder Maria Harrington.

The award recognizes community leaders, advocates, and coaches who strive to make Sacramento a better place to live, work, and play. The cultural center celebrated its tenth year of operation on September 5.

Mexican-born, Sacramento-raised Holy Names and UC Berkeley graduate Maria Harrington opened Casa de Español in 2011, and in 2018, Harrington was recognized as one of Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. The center has been sharing the languages and cultures of Latin America and Spain since its inception ten years ago. The school enrolled 35 students upon opening in 2011, and now boasts nine employees and more than 400 students.

Harrington’s community efforts, however, are not limited to Case de Español. Harrington spent time in the jungles of Chiapas in southern Mexico while completing research for her dissertation at UC Berkeley, where she witnessed first-hand the hardships of the community’s inhabitants. Her experience led her to create Help Chiapas, a nonprofit offering educational and medical resources to the people of indigenous people of Chiapas for which Harrington holds local charity events.

In addition to donating 100 percent of this year’s anniversary proceeds to those affected by the California wildfires, Casa de Español has been involved with cultural educational classes, food banks, book readings, voting education, social justice and more.

Republic FC will host its second Noche Latina of the season on October 13 when the Indomitable Club hosts LA Galaxy II for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Heart Health Park.

Throughout the month, Republic FC is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a Hispanic Heritage Merchandise Collection and a variety of food trucks at this past Saturday’s match against San Antonio FC.

The Indomitable Club’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month continues with profiles examining the cultures and heritage of select Republic FC players, in addition to taking fans behind the mic with Spanish Language Broadcasters Milton Moreno and Armando Botello.

Republic FC to Highlight Local Clubs with Youth Soccer Parade

Sacramento Republic FC will host a group of youth players on Saturday for a very special occasion prior to the club’s matchup with San Antonio FC. Nine organizations will join Republic FC for a youth parade before the match, giving youth soccer players the opportunity to walk the stadium concourse before taking to the pitch to have their names, faces, and teams announced before the game.

Each group will then have the opportunity to stay and watch Saturday’s match, which is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so make sure to arrive early for the parade.

As a part of the event, SMUD will also be providing 200 tickets to students from schools in underserved communities from around the region.

This season, the club will welcome players ranging from 8-17 years old from La Familia, the Latino Leadership Council, Cristo Rey High School, Arden Park Soccer, Greenhaven Soccer Club, IR Academy, Folsom Soccer Club, Rosemont Soccer and Rocklin Soccer Club. The event will highlight each of these organizations who have made a considerable impact for the youth in their respective communities.

Since the club’s inaugural season in 2014, Republic FC has hosted youth parades each year in an effort to highlight youth soccer in the area. Last time the club hosted a parade in 2019, Republic FC hosted close to 500 youth players.

The Indomitable Club is proud to provide a pathway to the top levels of the game, where passion and dedication to growing the game from the grassroots level in the area has always been at the forefront of the Youth Soccer Parade.

From the Greater Sacramento Region to front and center at Heart Health Park, youth players from around the area will be able to watch players who came from their same grassroots – players like Mario Penagos, Hayden Sargis and Julian Chavez.

As a part of the event, SMUD will also be providing 200 tickets to students from schools in underserved communities from around the region.