Community

Ahead of Saturday’s season opener, the Indomitable Club is carrying on its tradition of honoring the legacy of one of its most passionate and dedicated fans. For every goal Republic FC scores in March – National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – the club will donate $100 to the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C4) in memory of Shaun “Crash” Kitka.

Crash was a longtime Republic FC season ticket holder and member of Tower Bridge Battalion. Upon learning of his Colon Cancer diagnosis, Crash became an advocate for the importance of screenings and early detection. In 2021, he was recognized by the club with the Kevin Nagle Indomitable Spirit Award for his work to improve resources for patients and survivors of colon cancer and his desire to bring colon cancer screenings to the forefront for younger audiences. Sadly, Crash passed away in 2022, just one day before Republic FC’s appearance in the Open Cup Final.

Fans are encouraged to join the club’s pledge campaign by donating directly to C4, a nonprofit organization comprised of a diverse group of dedicated individuals from throughout California whose mission is to save lives and reduce suffering from colorectal cancer in all Californians.

Republic FC March Matches

• Saturday, March 8 vs. New Mexico United
• Saturday, March 22 vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
• Friday, March 28 vs. FC Tulsa

Ahead of its 12^th season, Republic FC will kick off the annual Indomitable Scholar series by teaming up with the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce) to invest in the region’s next generation of leaders. The partners are now accepting applications at SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship for a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a qualified and deserving student in Sacramento.

“At Sacramento Republic FC, we believe that empowering young people is the cornerstone of building stronger communities,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. Partnering with Azizza Davis Goines and the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce during Black History Month allows us to celebrate resilience, excellence, and opportunity. Choosing just one deserving recipient is never easy, but it’s a privilege to help invest in a future filled with possibility and promise.”

“Even in 2025, students of color still face several challenges when it comes to pursuing a higher education, and financial aid is just one of the ways that communities can support those who are committed to reaching their highest potential,” said Capital Black Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Azizza Davis Goines. “We are proud to continue to work with Republic FC to invest in our future leaders and look forward to their future impact in our region.”

Applicants must be currently enrolled at an eligible high school or in a minimum of six units at a California Community College, and intend to enroll in a four-year college or university, or a California Community College (minimum 12 units). Additionally, they must live in the six-county Sacramento region. Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. A special committee of black leaders including Sacramento City Councilmember Rick Jennings and Republic FC defender Ryan Spaulding will help select the winner.

The Black History Month Scholarship kicks off Republic FC’s annual Indomitable Scholars series, which has awarded over $16,000 to standout students since 2019. Throughout the year, the club will partner with various community partners, including the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and The Sacramento LGBT Community Center, to extend the program to support students who often face significant challenges in pursuing a higher education.

Since 1984, the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce has worked to bring African American business owners and professionals together to create a solid economic structure within Sacramento’s business community. Through the Young Leadership Collaboration program, the chamber invests in the region’s next generation of leaders, helping people ages 16-23 to develop the necessary skills to succeed through personal finance training, exploration into the world of entrepreneurship, business mentorships, and scholarships – including the annual scholarship presented with Republic FC.

The recipient will be recognized during halftime of Republic FC’s season opener on March 8 and receive a VIP ticket package to celebrate with friends and family. Fans can secure their tickets to the match and all of this year’s action at Heart Health Park by becoming an Indomitable Member today. For more information about season ticket packages, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Beginning today, fans and community members can join in the spirit of giving by supporting Republic FC’s 5^th Annual Winter Wishlist donation drive. The club is now collecting donations of new coats and toys, as well as monetary contributions purchase new items to benefit hundreds of families in North Sacramento’s Robla School District.

In addition to donations from the community, Macy’s at Sacramento Downtown Commons will host the club for a shopping spree to purchase $1,500 worth of toys and coats. Fans can give cash donations or purchase pre-selected items through a curated Amazon Wishlist. To make a monetary donation or to check out the Amazon Wishlist, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Wishlist.

Supporters can drop off donations at the club’s Pro Shop in Downtown Sacramento until December 13. Anyone who brings their item to the Pro Shop (located at 428 J Street) will receive a $10 store credit. Additional collection bins will be added throughout the month.

“For these hundreds of kids and families to count on the spirit of Republic FC to step up year after year and make the holidays a little sweeter – it’s truly a privilege,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “It’s magical to see all of our staff, their families, our partners and most loyal supporters all chipping in to help. This is truly what embodies this club and sets it apart.”

Before the students break for the holidays, volunteers from Republic FC – including players – and its Indomitable partners – will prepare gifts and deliver them throughout North Sacramento. The Robla School District serves approximately 2,000 students, with a diverse population facing significant economic hardship. Over 90% of families live at or below the federal poverty line, and more than 20% of students are homeless, lacking a stable nighttime residence. These challenges create a critical need for resources to support students’ academic and emotional well-being, ensuring they have opportunities to reach their full potential.

“Winter Wishlist truly highlights the power of community, showing how neighbors and partners can come together to make a real difference,” said Robla School District Superintendent Eileen Aguba Chen. “For many of our families, the financial challenges of the holiday season can feel even more overwhelming. We are deeply thankful to Republic FC, Bank of Marin, and everyone who plays a part in bringing some extra holiday cheer to our students this December.”

This is the fifth year that Republic FC and its partners have come together to support North Sacramento students. The program began in 2020 to provide resources and holiday hope as the pandemic impacted daily life and school. Each year, the program has grown with more coats, toys, and additional support for families, such as fresh fruit and produce, milk and even gift cards to local grocery stores.

As Republic FC prepares for its 10^th playoff berth in 11 seasons and continues its quest to bring another championship back to Sacramento, the club is calling on fans and community members to come together for a week of service projects benefiting five local non-profits. Beginning on Monday, October 28, Republic FC, with support of Indomitable partner Sentivo Vineyards & Winery, will lead a daily volunteer opportunity before the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinal. Club employees, fans, and partners will come together to complete 200 hours of community service throughout the week.

“Making the playoffs is always a special moment. The fact that we can make Playoff Week even more special by giving back to the community that supports us, it’s something we cherish,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak.

The Week of Service will celebrate the diverse community that calls Sacramento home and residents’ commitment to showing up for one another. Any participant who volunteers alongside the club will receive a swag bag – including a custom volunteer shirt – as well as a free ticket to an upcoming Republic FC match, including the 2024 Western Conference Quarterfinals, should the club earn hosting rights. Fans can sign up for a shift at SacRepublicFC.com/Community.

Schedule of events

• Monday, October 28 – Wellspring Women’s Center. Volunteers will spend the morning supporting Wellspring’s Nutritious Meal Program, serving free breakfast for women and children. Since 1987, the Oak Park-based organization has supported approximately 1,000 women and children each week by providing a variety of free services, including health meals, counseling, safety net services, and more.

• Tuesday, October 29 – Rebuilding Together. The team will help with home refurbishment projects for an 82-year-old military veteran. The non-profit provides home improvement services that help vulnerable, low-income residents – including veterans – live in safe, healthy, and efficient homes and neighborhoods.

• Wednesday, October 30 – Loaves & Fishes. Participants will gather at Republic FC downtown office to prepare hygiene kits for individuals receiving services through Sacramento Loaves & Fishes. It is the largest homeless service provider in Sacramento, providing warm meals and essential survival supplies for nearly 1,000 adults and children daily. Each volunteer will also receive a 20% discount for their next purchase at the club’s Pro Shop.

• Thursday, October 31 – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Volunteers are encouraged get in the Halloween spirit and wear their costumes as the group spends the afternoon sorting and packaging fresh produce and non-perishable items for distribution. The food bank is the largest nonprofit provider of basic human needs in Sacramento County, distributing 2.9 million pounds of food each month and many other social services including immigration legal assistance, utilities assistance, and refugee resettlement aid.

• Friday, November 1 – Alchemist Community Development Corporation. The team will spend the morning completing a variety of gardening projects, including weeding and planting. Alchemist is focused on addressing disparities in access to healthy food, green spaces, and entrepreneurship by connecting the community to a variety of programs including CalFresh/EBT access at farmers’ markets, empowering food business entrepreneurs, and cultivating community gardens and green spaces.

Sign-ups for volunteer shifts are open now at SacRepublicFC.com/Community and opportunities are open to the public. For Monday, Tuesday, and Friday projects, volunteers must be 18 years or older. Younger participants may join for Wednesday and Thursday, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (see here for food bank volunteer requirements). Projects may be adjusted due to inclement weather. Work supplies and equipment will be provided by the club.

Earlier in the year, the club opened the USL Championship season with a week’s-worth of community engagement projects that created 100 hours of volunteer hours.

Republic FC has just two regular season games remaining, beginning with a road contest against El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday. Kickoff from Southwest University Park is at 6:00 p.m. PT and the match will be broadcast on Antenna TV 40.2, as well as streaming on FOX40.com and ESPN+.

The club’s 2024 playoff quest, presented by Sentivo Vineyard & Winery, will begin on the weekend of November 1-3. Fans can learn more about the postseason or sign up to get priority access to tickets at SacRepublicFC.com/Playoffs.

Every September, Republic FC teams up with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to support the educational journey of a deserving local scholar in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

This year’s recipient, Larisa Rosales, not only earned a special halftime recognition during the club’s Noche Latina match, but also got to share her culture with the fans in a performance with Nuevo Amanecer Folkloric.

“I discovered my love for Mexican folklórico when I was in 7th grade. My first year of dancing was just for fun because I enjoyed dancing and took great pride in my Mexican identity,” she explained. “Now, after 8 years, I have dedicated countless hours of practice that have transformed me from a timid dancer to a spirited and devoted performer. My ultimate goal with dancing is to educate people and allow them to connect with our art, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. I am grateful for having the ability to share a beautiful part of my culture in such a unique way.”

Sharing and connecting with her Mexican heritage is something that Rosales has always been passionate about, which has led her to pursue study anthropology at UC Davis. “When I started participating in cultural activities, I began to wonder what the people from my culture experienced in the past,” she explained. “I learned about how subcultures found in each region in Mexico, which led me to question and compare the cultural characteristics of each state and the factors that led to this diversity.”

“My first anthropology class deepened this interest and now I am fascinated by the field,” continued Rosales. “This scholarship will help to alleviate the stress of financial burdens, allowing me to be able to focus more on my classes and participate in academic opportunities such as internships or study abroad programs, which are essential to my success in the field of anthropology. These hands-on experiences will provide the best immersion into my cultural studies, allowing me to explore and share the rich heritage that has shaped who I am today, as well as engage in global cultural experiences.”

Since 2019, Republic FC has worked with various community partners – including SACHCC, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center – to award $14,000 to young people showing exceptional scholastic leadership and community involvement.