Since 2012, Detroit City FC has established itself as one of North America's most talked about soccer teams. Their grassroots organization works to satisfy the market for soccer in Detroit, represent the city in a positive light, and build community through soccer. DCFC is dedicated to supporting the city of Detroit and building community through partnerships and philanthropy—living their motto—"Passion for our city. Passion for the game."
Always civically minded, the club became the first American sports team to wear a uniform supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in a regulation match. The club dedicated the June 6, 2014, match versus Erie Admirals S.C. to inclusivity in sports, auctioning off the commemorative jerseys to benefit the Ruth Ellis Center. The center is a shelter for at-risk, runaway, and homeless LGBTQ youth in Highland Park, Michigan. That same year the club announced its partnership with United Way of Southeastern Michigan to support its "Michigan No Kid Hungry" initiative to promote healthy lifestyles for youth in Detroit.
Loyal DCFC fans are as committed to the community as the team; their support of DCFC makes much of their philanthropy possible. During the 2021 season, DCFC fans created a mural using the team's colors from the prompt, "What does DCFC mean to you?" The words "family," "community," and "love of my city" were as much a reflection of DCFC's mission as they were of how the fans felt about one another. Sponsored by Ally Financial, the mural now proudly stands at Keyworth Stadium.
For the DCFC x Rebel Nell Collection, remnants from the mural and the actual words of support and encouragement were turned into jewelry and accessories, which fans can wear to show their support for their much-loved team and remind them of what DCFC means to them.
Much of this collection is in hues of deep red and accented with the fleur de Lis symbol. The team's nickname is Le Rouge (the red), a reference to the River Rouge that flows through Detroit and many of its suburbs and is the team's home uniform color. The fleur de Lis motif emblazoned on their uniforms pays homage to France, who founded Detroit in 1701.