Sac Republic FC is moving up, and UC Davis Health is moving up right along with it as the soccer club’s founding jersey or “kit” sponsor ... which means those “UC Davis Health” jerseys will now be worn by a Major League Soccer team.

The league commissioner, Don Garber, made the announcement Monday (Oct. 21) that Sacramento at long last would get a franchise. The team is expected to begin MLS play in 2022, with the scheduled completion of a new stadium in The Railyards development downtown.

UC Davis Health, a steadfast partner of the professional soccer club since its inaugural season in the United Soccer League in 2014, drew Garber’s praise for its “extraordinary commitment” to soccer in Sacramento.

Twitter: ‘#Indomitable Partners’ UC Davis Health: Congratulations to our #IndomitablePartner, @SacRepublicFC! Can't wait to see what the future holds.

From the beginning, Sac Republic FC and UC Davis Health have teamed up on a variety of sports and wellness programs that make the community a healthier place to live.

At the time of the “kit” announcement, the partners pledged to fund and support public health clinics, youth sports clinics and community health and wellness programs (such as the Street Soccer tournament focused on social change and empowerment in Sacramento and across the country).

“This is an exciting time for the entire Sacramento region and we’re thrilled to be a sponsor and ally at the start of what we are sure will be enormous success in the MLS,” said David Lubarsky, UC Davis vice chancellor of Human Health Sciences and CEO of UC Davis Health.

“Sac Republic FC and UC Davis Health have a long-running partnership that’s benefitted our community, our neighborhoods and our youth," Lubarsky added. "Together, we’re fostering health education for children, promoting the benefits of physical activity and highlighting the joy of playing sports, which includes bringing Street Soccer to our urban core. We look forward to this historic next adventure for the team, the region and the good health it will inspire.”

Stay tuned as plans are coming together for a celebration on our very own UC Davis Health campus, commemorating this historic moment for Sac Republic FC and the entire community.

Mike Hsu, communications specialist at UC Davis Health, contributed to this report.

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