Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Republic FC and the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce will partner to present the first Indomitable Scholars award of the year.
This scholarship marks the newest addition to Republic FC’s Indomitable Scholars series, which has awarded local students with scholarships to support their educational and career goals since 2019.
At the club’s exhibition match on March 5, the club will reward a qualified and deserving student from the Sacramento region with a $1,000 dollar scholarship to help support their educational aspirations.
For full eligibility and application requirements, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Scholarship before the Friday, February 25 deadline.
Applicants must be currently enrolled at an eligible high school or in a minimum of 6 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).
“We are thrilled to launch this scholarship with Republic FC to assist and celebrate a local student on their journey, and hope that through their efforts this month and beyond, more people will engage with Black businesses through the region,” said Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Azizza Davis Goines.
Through a partnership with United Soccer League Black Players Alliance, Republic FC defender Duke Lacroix helped develop the USLBPA x USL Dream in Color Scarf.
“It was really awesome to work on these scarves and to acknowledge our history. ‘Honor Our Past’ is a direct quote from the scarf, that is a testament to those who have laid the foundation to have this platform as an athlete and as a Black member of this community in Sacramento and league-wide, is really special,” said Republic FC Defender Duke Lacroix. “The scarf’s ‘Inspire The Future’ is a call to really drive home action in the community, inspiring the youth, supporting Black businesses, and encouraging diversity and growth.”
The limited-edition scarf will benefit 2 player-led charities aimed at helping underrepresented youth – Sacramento native Amobi Okugo’s “Ok U Go” Foundation, dedicated to helping children from low-income backgrounds through financial, educational, social, and athletic programs, and former Lacroix teammate Hugh Roberts’ “Footy’s Got You” foundation.
The front of the scarf features key phrases “Honor the Past” and “Inspire the Future” – and “Dream in Color” across the back of the scarf. The scarf is now available and can be purchased at shop.uslsoccer.com/products/uslbpa-x-usl-dream-in-color-scarf.