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It’s hard to think of a trio of individuals who have fought harder for inclusivity and equality in the global game more than Jay Lemonius, Aslie Pitter and Eric Najib. 

And on this week’s edition of The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast, Jay, Aslie, and Eric all join Connor Sutton to discuss their pursuit of equality in the sport all three adore.  

It’s hard to think of a trio of individuals who have fought harder for inclusivity and equality in the global game more than Jay Lemonius, Aslie Pitter and Eric Najib. 

And on this week’s edition of The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast, Jay, Aslie, and Eric all join Connor Sutton to discuss their pursuit of equality in the sport all three adore.  

Jay Lemonius is the first-team captain for Stonewall FC, a London-based LGBT+ soccer club that fields three competitive teams fully committed to creating an environment in sport and the group has been a driving force in tackling discrimination within the sport and fighting against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia to keep the beautiful game beautiful. 

The skipper tells Connor all about his current team that is also the most decorated LGBT+ club in the world, having won a number of international competitions and every single LGBT tournament the club has ever competed in, a Stonewall FC found its way to the final.  

It means everything to Lemonius to be representing and playing for a club founded on the very fabric of something he’s so passionate about, and his passion for equality carries over to his profession as well. The Stonewall FC captain is currently the Senior Inclusion & Diversity Manager for the English FA and fans can listen to all of Lemonius’s selfless work for the LGBT+ community during the episode of the podcast. 

Before joining England’s prestigious FA, Lemonius tells Connor he served as the Sports Campaign Manager for Stonewall UK, the largest LGBT charity in Europe. ‘Acceptance without exception’ is the charity’s powerful yet simple motto that Lemonius continues to fight for. 

It was during his time with the Stonewall charity that Lemonius managed the Rainbow Laces campaign which the English Premier League supported in 2019 as players wore rainbow laces and each club’s captain donned a Pride-themed captain’s armband for all EPL fixtures from December 3-9. Each field featured Rainbow Laces pitch flags, ball plinths, handshake boards and substitution boards as well, similar to Republic FC’s Pride Night where the Indomitable Club also included Pride-themed nets in goal.  

Throughout the episode, Lemonius tells Connor he’s constantly pushing for inclusion, and thankfully he’s not alone. During the episode, the leader in soccer’s global LBGT+ community is joined by a current teammate who helped found the club as well as his current head coach.  

Aslie Pitter, a cofounder of Stonewall FC in 1991 who still plays right back for the club, joined the gents on the pod and took a fascinating deep dive into the history of Stonewall and the challenges the group overcame and conquered to create the dynasty that is celebrated across the world. 

Pitter was a founding father of the celebrated club that was the first gay football club in all of Britain and for his work fighting for inclusivity in the sport, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire. And on the episode of The Breakaway, fans can learn about the unfortunate discrimination players faced in those days and how Stonewall FC became a beacon of hope for the entire LGBT+ community that wants nothing more than to compete at the highest levels. 

The club’s manager, Eric Najib who has been at the helm since 2006 but joined Stonewall in 2001, also had his stories to tell on the episode and had a tremendous amount of respect for Pitter’s teams in the early years that paved the way for the club today.  

Be sure to check out the episode where Connor chats with Jay, Aslie and Eric which can be found here. 

# # #

Jay Lemonius is the first-team captain for Stonewall FC, a London-based LGBT+ soccer club that fields three competitive teams fully committed to creating an environment in sport and the group has been a driving force in tackling discrimination within the sport and fighting against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia to keep the beautiful game beautiful. 

The skipper tells Connor all about his current team that is also the most decorated LGBT+ club in the world, having won a number of international competitions and every single LGBT tournament the club has ever competed in, a Stonewall FC found its way to the final.  

It means everything to Lemonius to be representing and playing for a club founded on the very fabric of something he’s so passionate about, and his passion for equality carries over to his profession as well. The Stonewall FC captain is currently the Senior Inclusion & Diversity Manager for the English FA and fans can listen to all of Lemonius’s selfless work for the LGBT+ community during the episode of the podcast. 

Before joining England’s prestigious FA, Lemonius tells Connor he served as the Sports Campaign Manager for Stonewall UK, the largest LGBT charity in Europe. ‘Acceptance without exception’ is the charity’s powerful yet simple motto that Lemonius continues to fight for. 

It was during his time with the Stonewall charity that Lemonius managed the Rainbow Laces campaign which the English Premier League supported in 2019 as players wore rainbow laces and each club’s captain donned a Pride-themed captain’s armband for all EPL fixtures from December 3-9. Each field featured Rainbow Laces pitch flags, ball plinths, handshake boards and substitution boards as well, similar to Republic FC’s Pride Night where the Indomitable Club also included Pride-themed nets in goal.  

Throughout the episode, Lemonius tells Connor he’s constantly pushing for inclusion, and thankfully he’s not alone. During the episode, the leader in soccer’s global LBGT+ community is joined by a current teammate who helped found the club as well as his current head coach.  

Aslie Pitter, a cofounder of Stonewall FC in 1991 who still plays right back for the club, joined the gents on the pod and took a fascinating deep dive into the history of Stonewall and the challenges the group overcame and conquered to create the dynasty that is celebrated across the world. 

Pitter was a founding father of the celebrated club that was the first gay football club in all of Britain and for his work fighting for inclusivity in the sport, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire. And on the episode of The Breakaway, fans can learn about the unfortunate discrimination players faced in those days and how Stonewall FC became a beacon of hope for the entire LGBT+ community that wants nothing more than to compete at the highest levels. 

The club’s manager, Eric Najib who has been at the helm since 2006 but joined Stonewall in 2001, also had his stories to tell on the episode and had a tremendous amount of respect for Pitter’s teams in the early years that paved the way for the club today.  

Be sure to check out the episode where Connor chats with Jay, Aslie and Eric which can be found here. 

# # #

With plans underway to resume the USL 2020 Championship season, Republic FC are inviting fans to add their photos to a new tifo for home matches. With local health guidance limiting the amount of people who can be at the park on game night, Republic FC looked to create an opportunity for fans to have their presence felt. Submit a picture with friends and family, or fellow supporters holding your Republic gear with pride. 

The Indomitable Together tifo will fly from the south end of the pitch and feature hundreds of images from supporters and fans.

With plans underway to resume the USL 2020 Championship season, Republic FC are inviting fans to add their photos to a new tifo for home matches. With local health guidance limiting the amount of people who can be at the park on game night, Republic FC looked to create an opportunity for fans to have their presence felt. Submit a picture with friends and family, or fellow supporters holding your Republic gear with pride. 

The Indomitable Together tifo will fly from the south end of the pitch and feature hundreds of images from supporters and fans.

Fans can submit photos through Monday, June 29 with this form:

Fans can submit photos through Monday, June 29 with this form:

High-resolution jpeg/jpg files are preferred and photos without a cluttered background will make the tifo look seamless. And don’t forget to include your favorite Republic FC scarf, kit, and sign – and your game face! 

For questions or trouble uploading photos, email tsoares@https://www.sacrepublicfc.com. 

High-resolution jpeg/jpg files are preferred and photos without a cluttered background will make the tifo look seamless. And don’t forget to include your favorite Republic FC scarf, kit, and sign – and your game face! 

For questions or trouble uploading photos, email tsoares@https://www.sacrepublicfc.com. 

The boys in Old Glory Red have produced plenty of memorable moments at Papa Murphy’s Park over the years but June 22, 2019 was one no fan in attendance will soon forget. 

Heading into the USL Championship regular season match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC – recently rebranded to FC Tulsa – the Indomitable Club was looking to bounce back from a 4-3 loss in the U.S. Open Cup against MLS-side San Jose Earthquakes that saw SRFC’s three-game win streak come to a close.

Despite the final result, Republic FC had the lead early against the Bay Area squad from the top tier of domestic soccer on two separate occasions. The boys in Old Glory Red didn’t advance in the nation’s oldest knockout competition, but they didn’t back down against a heavily favored opponent either. 

A fearless SRFC side returned to the California Capital hungry for a favorable result in the next home match which just so happened to be Roughnecks FC. 

The team was focused, and it showed early on. Against Tulsa, it took all of eight minutes for Sacramento to seize the lead and from there, the Indomitable Club did everything but look back. 

This year, the club will announce the 2020 Pride Scholarship winner live at the break during Saturday’s episode of Republic Rewind. 

After the half when both teams returned to the pitch, the celebration continued as it appeared Republic FC would simply never stop scoring. As entertaining as each of the second half strikes were, perhaps the moment of the match that drew the loudest ovation was the entrance of defender Juan Barahona making his first-career appearance with the Indomitable Club. 

When the final whistle blew, there were nothing but smiles, laughter and joy in the stands. It was a special night with so many storylines.

Fortunately for Republic FC supporters, this Saturday fans can relive the famous fixture against the midwestern club during another episode of Republic Rewind at 2 p.m. PT. This weekend, Rob McAllister will breakdown all the action with Sam Werner who was an active participant in Playing for Pride both this year and last. 

In 2019, Werner – alongside current teammate Dekel Keinan – donned custom boots as both players will be participating in Playing for Pride, the nationwide fundraiser for Athlete Ally during Pride Month in June. This is third straight season the Indomitable Club has supported Playing for Pride for Athlete Ally which is a nonprofit that raises funds to level the playing field for the LGBTQI+ community with a mission focused on making sports inclusive for all. 

As citizens around the country and world are learning more about generations of systemic racism, today – Juneteenth – provides an opportunity to explore the issue of racial justice and the continued ramifications. 

As Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the United, Juneteenth largely remains unknown or misunderstood – and by highlighting local events, Republic FC urges supporters to take an opportunity to learn more about our neighbors, friends and family. To create change and make our community a better place for everyone, It Takes A Republic. 

President of the Greater Sacramento Urban League Cassandra Jennings is calling on people to "Pick something that is important to you or stretch yourself to learn something and support something that encourages Black entrepreneurship and Black people.”

The Origins of Juneteenth

On June 18, 1865, Union troops led by General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to proclaim that all slaves in the state were free.

The next day, he read "General Order No. 3":

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.  

His arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confederate States and two months after Robert E. Lee’s surrender at the Battle of Appomattox Court House, considered the effective end of the American Civil War.  

While Juneteenth, short for June 19th, has become a celebration marking the end of slavery in Texas, the United States did not officially end slavery until the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States on December 6, 1865, abolishing slavery in all of the U.S. states and territories. Even with the end of slavery, the remnants of generations of racist policies that have deliberately oppressed Black people remain. 

First recognized as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and now recognized by forty-nine states – including California, Juneteenth traditions widely differ from community to community including parades, oral histories, concerts, barbecues, marches and more. 

Juneteenth Now and Beyond 

There is no doubt that today’s Juneteenth celebration has a tremendous amount of attention — from corporate commitments to give, more people committing to celebrate the holiday and learn, to a wealth of news coverage. 

In an interview with Capital Public Radio, Betty Williams, president of the Sacramento NAACP notes “I don’t think our young people really understand what Juneteenth is. They need to understand that it was our Fourth of July. This was our freedom that we didn’t receive until later.” 

Today, United Soccer League released another installment of its “From The Pitch” series where players share their opinions and thoughts.

As citizens around the country and world are learning more about generations of systemic racism, today – Juneteenth – provides an opportunity to explore the issue of racial justice and the continued ramifications. 

As Sacramento is one of the most diverse cities in the United, Juneteenth largely remains unknown or misunderstood – and by highlighting local events, Republic FC urges supporters to take an opportunity to learn more about our neighbors, friends and family. To create change and make our community a better place for everyone, It Takes A Republic. 

President of the Greater Sacramento Urban League Cassandra Jennings is calling on people to “Pick something that is important to you or stretch yourself to learn something and support something that encourages Black entrepreneurship and Black people.”

The Origins of Juneteenth

On June 18, 1865, Union troops led by General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to proclaim that all slaves in the state were free.

The next day, he read “General Order No. 3”:

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.  

His arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confederate States and two months after Robert E. Lee’s surrender at the Battle of Appomattox Court House, considered the effective end of the American Civil War.  

While Juneteenth, short for June 19th, has become a celebration marking the end of slavery in Texas, the United States did not officially end slavery until the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States on December 6, 1865, abolishing slavery in all of the U.S. states and territories. Even with the end of slavery, the remnants of generations of racist policies that have deliberately oppressed Black people remain. 

First recognized as a state holiday in Texas in 1980, and now recognized by forty-nine states – including California, Juneteenth traditions widely differ from community to community including parades, oral histories, concerts, barbecues, marches and more. 

Juneteenth Now and Beyond 

There is no doubt that today’s Juneteenth celebration has a tremendous amount of attention — from corporate commitments to give, more people committing to celebrate the holiday and learn, to a wealth of news coverage. 

In an interview with Capital Public Radio, Betty Williams, president of the Sacramento NAACP notes “I don’t think our young people really understand what Juneteenth is. They need to understand that it was our Fourth of July. This was our freedom that we didn’t receive until later.” 

Today, United Soccer League released another installment of its “From The Pitch” series where players share their opinions and thoughts.

And in Sacramento, there are several celebrations and opportunities to learn and engage. Republic FC Partner Sacramento State has embraced the opportunity and is a key partner in a regional celebration, now virtual to curb the spread of Coronavirus. The free festival, will feature virtual workshops, exhibition booths, video conferences, entertainment and more, runs Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 28, on the Juneteenth website.

Festival founder Rick Warren notes “Juneteenth is a time to remember, to honor and to prepare for a better and more unified future. Now more than ever we have to honor the meaning and legacy of Juneteenth.”

Events, Resources and Materials to Listen. Learn. Love.:

26th Annual Juneteenth Festival Friday, June 19 – Sunday June,28

Breathe Sacramento Juneteenth Meditation – Friday, June 19

Sacramento NAACP Juneteenth Freedom Car March & Rally – Saturday, June 20

National Museum of African American History and Culture | Talking About Race

California State Library | Juneteenth Exhibit : Celebrating Emancipation 

New York Times | So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?

Sacramento Bee | What is Juneteenth? A visual glance at celebration marking end of slavery

B/R Football hosts roundtable discussion about Black Lives Matter, racism in soccer

And in Sacramento, there are several celebrations and opportunities to learn and engage. Republic FC Partner Sacramento State has embraced the opportunity and is a key partner in a regional celebration, now virtual to curb the spread of Coronavirus. The free festival, will feature virtual workshops, exhibition booths, video conferences, entertainment and more, runs Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 28, on the Juneteenth website.

Festival founder Rick Warren notes “Juneteenth is a time to remember, to honor and to prepare for a better and more unified future. Now more than ever we have to honor the meaning and legacy of Juneteenth.”

Events, Resources and Materials to Listen. Learn. Love.:

26th Annual Juneteenth Festival Friday, June 19 – Sunday June,28

Breathe Sacramento Juneteenth Meditation – Friday, June 19

Sacramento NAACP Juneteenth Freedom Car March & Rally – Saturday, June 20

National Museum of African American History and Culture | Talking About Race

California State Library | Juneteenth Exhibit : Celebrating Emancipation 

New York Times | So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?

Sacramento Bee | What is Juneteenth? A visual glance at celebration marking end of slavery

B/R Football hosts roundtable discussion about Black Lives Matter, racism in soccer

The Indomitable Club claimed a respectable 10th Place following completion of its first-ever stint into eSports after a successful run during the USL eCup FIFA20 Edition while representing the Mexican National Team.  

Guided by Republic FC players Rafael Diaz, Juan Barahona and Ashkanov Apollon – alongside Justin Sterk who was the winner of the inaugural SRFCxFIFA20 Tournament – El Tri bounced back and forth between the top two divisions and continued to look more and more impressive as the tournament moved along and finished the competition with 375 points – tied with El Paso Locomotive FC’s Argentina. 

The Indomitable Club claimed a respectable 10th Place following completion of its first-ever stint into eSports after a successful run during the USL eCup FIFA20 Edition while representing the Mexican National Team.  

Guided by Republic FC players Rafael Diaz, Juan Barahona and Ashkanov Apollon – alongside Justin Sterk who was the winner of the inaugural SRFCxFIFA20 Tournament – El Tri bounced back and forth between the top two divisions and continued to look more and more impressive as the tournament moved along and finished the competition with 375 points – tied with El Paso Locomotive FC’s Argentina. 

The result meant SRFC would miss out on Division A for the first week of the divisional contests and promotion to the top tier would be the week-long pursuit. But the boys in Old Glory Red were focused and found a 3-1 win over Tampa Bay Rowdies – representing Colombia – in the Division B Quarterfinals. The following day, a brilliant Barahona lifted El Tri to a 3-2 Semifinal victory over Charleston Battery’s Greece-side and set up a second division championship clash with New England Revolution II’s Russian-squad.

Mexico was unable to overcome Russia in the final, 4-1, as professional EA Sports FIFA player for New England Revolution – John Oliveira – was simply too much to handle and proved his professional gaming worth. However, a runner-up finish in Division B solidified a spot in the top tier for SRFC the following week and granted the Indomitable Club 375 points in the overall standings. 

For the first time in the competition, Republic FC was in the topflight. But the Indomitable Club got a quick taste of what it’s like to compete with the best as Omaha Union – playing as Norway – downed Mexico 3-0 and sent the boys in Old Glory Red back to Division B. 

Again, Sacramento was primed for nothing short of promotion and the team was now determined for a swift return back to the top league. Thankfully, Week Four was the perfect opportunity to get the campaign back on track. 

The result meant SRFC would miss out on Division A for the first week of the divisional contests and promotion to the top tier would be the week-long pursuit. But the boys in Old Glory Red were focused and found a 3-1 win over Tampa Bay Rowdies – representing Colombia – in the Division B Quarterfinals. The following day, a brilliant Barahona lifted El Tri to a 3-2 Semifinal victory over Charleston Battery’s Greece-side and set up a second division championship clash with New England Revolution II’s Russian-squad.

Mexico was unable to overcome Russia in the final, 4-1, as professional EA Sports FIFA player for New England Revolution – John Oliveira – was simply too much to handle and proved his professional gaming worth. However, a runner-up finish in Division B solidified a spot in the top tier for SRFC the following week and granted the Indomitable Club 375 points in the overall standings. 

For the first time in the competition, Republic FC was in the topflight. But the Indomitable Club got a quick taste of what it’s like to compete with the best as Omaha Union – playing as Norway – downed Mexico 3-0 and sent the boys in Old Glory Red back to Division B. 

Again, Sacramento was primed for nothing short of promotion and the team was now determined for a swift return back to the top league. Thankfully, Week Four was the perfect opportunity to get the campaign back on track. 

Sterk had the controller in-hand for the match and had his side on top nine minutes in after Raul Jimenez lifted Mexico to a 1-0 lead. Two goals from the Ivory Coast left El Tri trailing but back-to-back strikes from Rodolfo Pizarro gifted Mexico the advantage. Indy equalized moments later, meaning the best was still yet to come. 

With the game inching towards the final whistle, Jimenez – who finished the competition with a team-best seven goals –  played a perfect ball into space for Hirving Lozano to find and fire a blistering game-winner to seal his side’s spot in a Semifinal showdown the following day a guarantee place in next week’s Division A bracket. 

Sterk had the controller in-hand for the match and had his side on top nine minutes in after Raul Jimenez lifted Mexico to a 1-0 lead. Two goals from the Ivory Coast left El Tri trailing but back-to-back strikes from Rodolfo Pizarro gifted Mexico the advantage. Indy equalized moments later, meaning the best was still yet to come. 

With the game inching towards the final whistle, Jimenez – who finished the competition with a team-best seven goals –  played a perfect ball into space for Hirving Lozano to find and fire a blistering game-winner to seal his side’s spot in a Semifinal showdown the following day a guarantee place in next week’s Division A bracket. 

Following the announcement of a provisional return to play date of July 11 for the United Soccer League, the league announced completion of the eCup, ending a month-long gauntlet that pitted a total of 32 Championship and League One clubs against each other as national teams in FIFA20 for a promotion/relegation style divisional bracket. Rio Grande Valley FC – representing the Brazilian National Team – were crowned champions, sitting on the summit of the overall standings with 3,000 points. 

All eCup fixtures were streamed on the club’s Twitch stream, twitch.tv/SacramentoRepublicFC/, and supporters of the boys in Old Glory Red can relive any of SRFC’s matches on the club’s twitch page as well.  

Fans who kept tabs on Republic FC’s eCup contests had the opportunity to donate to club partner Raley’s Food for Families, the charity the Indomitable Club represented throughout the tournament. 

Following the announcement of a provisional return to play date of July 11 for the United Soccer League, the league announced completion of the eCup, ending a month-long gauntlet that pitted a total of 32 Championship and League One clubs against each other as national teams in FIFA20 for a promotion/relegation style divisional bracket. Rio Grande Valley FC – representing the Brazilian National Team – were crowned champions, sitting on the summit of the overall standings with 3,000 points. 

All eCup fixtures were streamed on the club’s Twitch stream, twitch.tv/SacramentoRepublicFC/, and supporters of the boys in Old Glory Red can relive any of SRFC’s matches on the club’s twitch page as well.  

Fans who kept tabs on Republic FC’s eCup contests had the opportunity to donate to club partner Raley’s Food for Families, the charity the Indomitable Club represented throughout the tournament. 

As thousands of Sacramentans joined to peacefully march and protest throughout the past 10 days, local businesses still have the some of the signs from stealing and vandalism that stemmed from early outrage. Several shops and businesses throughout downtown Sacramento placed plywood over their windows to protect from future unrest, or to bandage over any broken windows and losses. 

As thousands of Sacramentans joined to peacefully march and protest throughout the past 10 days, local businesses still have the some of the signs from stealing and vandalism that stemmed from early outrage. Several shops and businesses throughout downtown Sacramento placed plywood over their windows to protect from future unrest, or to bandage over any broken windows and losses. 

Sacramento is home to the largest mural festival in the nation – and a team of three women created an initiative to turn the blank boards covering up businesses into a canvass that can inspire and support the region. Kimberly Prince, Lina Washington and Shannan O'Rourke created Boards For Change, a collaborative community beautification project with a purpose in direct response to recent #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations. The trio is connecting local artists with boarded-up businesses to turn those spaces into a city-wide canvas as a show of solidarity. Eventually, the works of art will be removed and auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting Black youth organizations in the greater Sacramento area.

Sacramento is home to the largest mural festival in the nation – and a team of three women created an initiative to turn the blank boards covering up businesses into a canvass that can inspire and support the region. Kimberly Prince, Lina Washington and Shannan O’Rourke created Boards For Change, a collaborative community beautification project with a purpose in direct response to recent #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations. The trio is connecting local artists with boarded-up businesses to turn those spaces into a city-wide canvas as a show of solidarity. Eventually, the works of art will be removed and auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting Black youth organizations in the greater Sacramento area.

“I’m completely floored by the fact that this little idea between friends has exploded into a movement gaining national attention in less than a week! This wouldn’t be possible without the help of two bad ass women: Kimberly Prince and a Shannan O’Rourke. This project came together in the most Sacramento way: people spreading the word and simply wanting to help people do good in their city,” said ABC10 sports anchor and Boards For Change co-creator Lina Washington. “We’re so thankful to Sacramento Republic FC and the Sacramento Kings who have offered boards for our artists to express themselves and we’re looking forward to seeing how all of our efforts will directly impact Black youth and underserved communities in the greater Sacramento region.”  

“I’m completely floored by the fact that this little idea between friends has exploded into a movement gaining national attention in less than a week! This wouldn’t be possible without the help of two bad ass women: Kimberly Prince and a Shannan O’Rourke. This project came together in the most Sacramento way: people spreading the word and simply wanting to help people do good in their city,” said ABC10 sports anchor and Boards For Change co-creator Lina Washington. “We’re so thankful to Sacramento Republic FC and the Sacramento Kings who have offered boards for our artists to express themselves and we’re looking forward to seeing how all of our efforts will directly impact Black youth and underserved communities in the greater Sacramento region.”  

“I went through several ideas back and forth and finally decided to start with a tree that represents our roots and branches representing communities coming together as one,” the artist said. “The tree represents transformation, liberation, and unity. It's a symbol of our communities coming together and the growth and the power of change we have when we come together as one. It means a lot to me to be able to be part of this. I hope that this art brings smiles during these tough times.”

More murals are coming online and the project continues to collect donations. To support artists and supplies, visit the Boards For Change GoFundMe page to make a donation and be sure check out the Boards For Change Instagram page @boardsforchange. 

To see more of Rigo’s work, visit the artist’s Instagram page @RigotheArtist.

“I went through several ideas back and forth and finally decided to start with a tree that represents our roots and branches representing communities coming together as one,” the artist said. “The tree represents transformation, liberation, and unity. It’s a symbol of our communities coming together and the growth and the power of change we have when we come together as one. It means a lot to me to be able to be part of this. I hope that this art brings smiles during these tough times.”

More murals are coming online and the project continues to collect donations. To support artists and supplies, visit the Boards For Change GoFundMe page to make a donation and be sure check out the Boards For Change Instagram page @boardsforchange. 

To see more of Rigo’s work, visit the artist’s Instagram page @RigotheArtist.

The boys in Old Glory Red are once again using the team’s platform to support the LGBTQ+ community for the third consecutive campaign, by working with Playing for Pride.   

Playing for Pride is a nationwide fundraiser for Athlete Ally during Pride Month in June. The nonprofit raises funds to level the playing field for the LGBTQI+ community with a mission focused on making sports inclusive for all. 

The boys in Old Glory Red are once again using the team’s platform to support the LGBTQ+ community for the third consecutive campaign, by working with Playing for Pride.   

Playing for Pride is a nationwide fundraiser for Athlete Ally during Pride Month in June. The nonprofit raises funds to level the playing field for the LGBTQI+ community with a mission focused on making sports inclusive for all. 

Former MLS and USL player Austin da Luz founded Playing for Pride in 2017 in direct response to his state’s discriminatory anti-LGBTQ legislation. The decorated midfielder was a guest on The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast and discussed with Connor Sutton the impactful campaign he’s created.  

The 2020 season hiatus has paused live games and the team’s plans for a Pride Match at Papa Murphy’s Park, but supporters of the Indomitable Club can relive last season’s 2019 Pride Match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The Republic Rewind rebroadcast will be Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. PT and the winner of the 2020 Pride Scholarship will be announced live during halftime. 

Participating for the boys in Old Glory Red during the virtual version of Playing for Pride this season is midfielder Sam Werner and defender Dekel Keinan. Both players will be heavily pushing to drive donations to the main campaign page here.

In year’s past, Republic FC players participating in Playing for Pride donated to the nonprofit based on their performances during matches over the course of the entire month of June – such as $20 for every goal/assist recorded. Fans and front office members also committed to matching donations and in 2019, SRFC players Josh Cohen, Werner and Keinan each participated. 

Werner and Keinan even donned custom boots last year and the captain’s armband took on a special pride-theme. Other SRFC players wore special rainbow-colored shoelaces and the pitch itself featured pride-themed corner flags. 

This year, Athlete Ally has pledged to donate 50% of proceeds through Playing for Pride to the Audre Lorde Project – ALP – which is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, with a focus on the New York City area.  

All information on Pride Month for this year can be found by visiting www.sacrepublicfc.com/Pride2020.

Former MLS and USL player Austin da Luz founded Playing for Pride in 2017 in direct response to his state’s discriminatory anti-LGBTQ legislation. The decorated midfielder was a guest on The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast and discussed with Connor Sutton the impactful campaign he’s created.  

The 2020 season hiatus has paused live games and the team’s plans for a Pride Match at Papa Murphy’s Park, but supporters of the Indomitable Club can relive last season’s 2019 Pride Match against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The Republic Rewind rebroadcast will be Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. PT and the winner of the 2020 Pride Scholarship will be announced live during halftime. 

Participating for the boys in Old Glory Red during the virtual version of Playing for Pride this season is midfielder Sam Werner and defender Dekel Keinan. Both players will be heavily pushing to drive donations to the main campaign page here.

In year’s past, Republic FC players participating in Playing for Pride donated to the nonprofit based on their performances during matches over the course of the entire month of June – such as $20 for every goal/assist recorded. Fans and front office members also committed to matching donations and in 2019, SRFC players Josh Cohen, Werner and Keinan each participated. 

Werner and Keinan even donned custom boots last year and the captain’s armband took on a special pride-theme. Other SRFC players wore special rainbow-colored shoelaces and the pitch itself featured pride-themed corner flags. 

This year, Athlete Ally has pledged to donate 50% of proceeds through Playing for Pride to the Audre Lorde Project – ALP – which is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, with a focus on the New York City area.  

All information on Pride Month for this year can be found by visiting www.sacrepublicfc.com/Pride2020.