New Futsal Courts Create Welcome Environment for Refugees in Sacramento
September 1, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
This afternoon, Republic FC, International Rescue Committee, Sacramento State, and Sacramento State Athletics unveiled two new futsal courts at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade neighborhood.
The Howe Park Courts – two previously unused, dilapidated tennis courts – were recently refurbished to provide a new, safe space in a neighborhood that is home to many disadvantaged youth and a high population of refugee and immigrant families. Additional funding for the project was provided by Supervisor Rich Desmond and local businessowners Roger Niello and Tim Cahill, the unused, dilapidated tennis courts.
“At Republic FC, one of our core values is Unified Community, and one of biggest ways for us to show that is by getting out into the community and building programs for kids at no charge,” said Republic FC Director of Community Investment. “Soccer is the world’s game and everyone understands it, so to partner with the International Rescue Committee to bring this project to life has been amazing. Through this partnership, we are investing in the refugee community, which could help some of these kids become a Sacramento State student or even a future Republic FC player.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sacramento has the largest population of Afghan immigrants and refugees in the country, with the majority of these families living in the Arden-Arcade neighborhood. These families face many challenges during resettlement – from finding housing and employment, to receiving education for their children, to connecting with their new community.
To assist with the transition, the International Rescue Committee offers programs designed to help those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new community. One way that the organization is helping these families to thrive is through community projects like the new Howe Park Futsal Courts.
“What we find is that one of the big missing elements in resettling refugees is a place where they can go and have fun, where they can relax, where they can enjoy the fact that they’ve arrived in the United States,” said International Rescue Committee Regional Director Tara Rangarajan. “Having these futsal courts available for use by newcomers to the United States is the biggest act of welcome that we could possibly show them.”
For Sacramento State and Sacramento State Athletics, the Howe Park Courts are a way to get involved in a neighborhood that is just 10 minutes away from campus.
“We pride ourselves on being an anchor university and engaged in our local community,” said Sacramento State Athletic Director Mark Orr. “For us to make an impact on several youths in the area on this beautiful futsal court and work with our partners in Republic FC and the International Rescue Committee is a tremendous opportunity for us. Our students will be able to come down here to engage with and mentor the kids that use these courts.”
To celebrate the partnership made this project possible, students from nearby Greer Elementary School broke in the courts on Thursday afternoon with a free youth soccer clinic hosted by Republic FC Youth Training Programs. All participants received a free soccer ball and a ticket to an upcoming Republic FC match, helping to grow the next generation of soccer fans. The Indomitable Club will coordinate annual youth programs at the courts as well.
These are the 9th and 10th courts developed by Republic FC and its partners. Other projects have included the Del Paso Heights Sports Complex in north Sacramento, the Carrillo Courts at Northgate Park, and the Maple Park Futsal Courts in South Sacramento.
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