Clean California and Caltrans recently announced that Republic FC, Sacramento’s pro soccer team, is the first sports team in the state to earn the prestigious Clean California Community Designation.
The recognition, overseen by Caltrans, honors the club’s efforts to promote land stewardship and inspire sustainable practices. The club demonstrated that it has fulfilled criteria demonstrating commitment to enhancing public spaces, reducing litter, and fostering a cleaner, more beautiful environment.
According to a press release, the Clean California Community Designation acknowledges communities that actively work to meet standards for community beautification and environmental stewardship. The soccer club successfully completed 10 out of 15 criteria, showcasing its proactive approach to civic responsibility and establishing a new benchmark for anti-litter leadership among professional sports organizations.
“Achieving the Clean California Community Designation is a testament to our enduring commitment to Sacramento, both on and off the pitch,” said Vice President of Business Operations and Community Affairs Scott Moak. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our club, our staff, and the incredible support of our fans and community partners who believe in making Sacramento an even better place to live, work, and play.
As a designated Clean California Community, Sacramento Republic FC will receive personalized signage to be posted at its facilities, official recognition on state websites and social media, and the right to officially promote its commitment to the Zero Litter goal. This achievement underscores the club’s role not just as a local sporting institution, but as a leading community partner dedicated to environmental health and civic pride.
Earning a Clean California Community Designation requires establishing long-term programmatic changes that promote positive, anti-litter community stewardship. For a sports team, this translates into collaborating with community partners to educate and inspire its fanbase to become land stewards, while also implementing litter prevention and waste management strategies on matchday.
“Sacramento Republic FC’s achievement as the first sports club statewide to earn the Clean California Community Designation is a remarkable milestone,” said Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans director. “As California prepares to welcome the world for major events like the World Cup, Sac Republic’s dedication in the heart of the state creates a powerful model for California sports teams and fans to follow. We applaud their leadership and hope it inspires other organizations to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful state for residents and visitors alike.”
The Clean California Community Designation program encourages communities to engage residents, local businesses, and organizations in a shared mission to combat litter and improve environmental quality. For Sacramento Republic FC, this achievement solidifies its role as a community leader, tapping into its base to bring Sacramento neighbors and fans together and instill pride in public spaces. For more information on the Clean California Community Designation Program, please visit https://cleanca.com/designation/.