Throughout September, Republic FC, along with founding partner UC Davis Health, will join soccer clubs around the country to raise awareness of childhood cancer and supporting patients and their families.
This year, Republic FC and UC Davis Health turned to the brave children enduring and fighting pediatric cancer to create a special item to show the world their indomitable spirit. The Fritz & Friends Scarf was designed by Riley Blum, Fritz Stark, and Emily Love – three childhood cancer survivors who were treated at UC Davis Health. It is now available in the team store, and proceeds will support patients and their families through the Super Fritz & Friends Fund, which was inspired by one of the scarf artists.
“The Indomitable Spirit of our club and community are mirrored every day in the children and families affected by childhood cancer,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re proud to join with our great partner UC Davis Health to honor and support pediatric cancer patients and provide ways for the community to give as well.”
“We are honored to partner with Republic FC during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month once again,” said Brad Simmons, Chief Administrator of the UC Davis Medical Center and Chief Operating Officer of the UC Davis Health Hospital Division. “Our pediatric cancer patients and their families experience so many difficult challenges, and we are grateful for this opportunity to raise awareness and funds for those affected by it, as well as celebrate the stories of those who are in remission.”
The limited-edition bright gold scarf – the color that represents childhood cancer – includes several special elements that were drawn by the young artists. On the front: the word “hope,” along with Republic FC’s crest and the UC Davis Health Logo. The back features a gold ribbon and the word “Indomitable” – a nod to one of Republic FC’s core values and the unconquerable spirit shown by the young artists during their cancer fight. The scarf is available online at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com and at Heart Health Park merchandise stands during home matches. The club has also used elements from the scarf to create a special activity book that will be delivered to pediatric patients at UC Davis Health.
The club will also use its social channels and ticket sales to increase awareness and drive additional donations for Super Fritz & Friends throughout the month. Beginning today, one dollar from every single match ticket sold through September 30 will go to the fund. Childhood statistics will be shared on the club’s social media, along with invitations for the community to donate directly to Super Fritz & Friends in support of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
At Republic FC’s September 10 home match against Loudoun United FC, the club will host its annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by UC Davis Health. On the field, the club will switch its nets and corner flags to gold and players will sport custom pre-match training tops designed by the scarf artists that will be auctioned off to benefit Super Fritz & Friends. UC Davis Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Dr. Marcio Malogolowkin, will serve as the Captain of the Match before a special group of childhood cancer patients announce the Starting XI.
Fritz was diagnosed with Leukemia at age two and went on to receive treatment at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. To show their gratitude for his care, Fritz’s parents and friends established the fund in 2019 to subsidize a new staff position that would enhance resources for families battling pediatric cancer. Super Fritz & Friends met its original goal in November 2021, and now works to fund additional services – including lodging assistance, insurance coordination, and financial aid for essential needs like groceries and transportation.
September 10 will be Republic FC’s first match back at home following the club’s first-ever appearance in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, when it travels to Florida to face MLS side Orlando City SC on Wednesday, September 7. Kickoff from Exploria Stadium is at 5:00 p.m. PT. For fans not making the trip, Republic FC – in partnership, Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby, Kellogg’s, and Downtown Sacramento Partnership – will host a free Watch Party at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The all-ages event will be free and open to the public. Fans can RSVP and receive additional information at SacRepublicFC.com/WatchParty.
