Gloom aims to unite city through futsal
Three years ago, the Santa Fe Gloom dream came to life.
But not how you think it would’ve.
David Fresquez set out to bring a professional soccer team to Santa Fe. The idea was brilliant - he thought. What more could the youth and family-centric community of Northern New Mexico ask for?
During a time where we are experiencing a decline in youth sports, recreational and family-friendly activities, why not set out to provide an inspiration, a real fan experience - that kids of Santa Fe and surrounding areas could have access to?
Fresquez, a native of Santa Fe, played soccer from the days he first learned to walk. Motivated and inspired by his older brother Eli, he watched on has his brother played at Capital High School. A dream had emerged.
Fresquez is on now on a plaque bolted to wall in the Santa Fe High School gymnasium - 2005 Athlete of the Year. A real Demon on the soccer field, Fresquez earned Player of the Year in the District his senior year and a scholarship to Colorado State at Pueblo - a Division II school which competes in the RMAC Conference.
Once it was time to walk away from the game his world revolved around, he focused on a much loftier goal.
With a fresh Masters Degree in Business Administration from CSU-Pueblo, Fresquez came back to Santa Fe with visions of making a positive impact - through soccer.
Gloom members stand with Santa Fe kids for the National Anthem on Youth Soccer Night.
The Santa Fe Gloom idea took many shapes and forms until it settled on futsal - a street inspired form of soccer most popular in Brazil.
Initially, the plan was to bring an MASL team (Major Arena Soccer League) to the City Different. The city of Rio Rancho also has a team - The Runners, which play at The Santa Ana Star Center. But because the City of Santa Fe doesn’t have a facility with enough capacity, the dream stalled.
Fresquez approached city leaders of Santa Fe pitching his idea. Could the Genoveva Chavez Community Center be the home of The Gloom? Major Arena Soccer is traditionally played on an ice-rink shaped field with walls and boundaries.
The city balked.
Concerned with losing the ability to host ice skaters since the rink would have to be flipped for a multi-use purpose.
Against all odds, Fresquez pivoted strategies.
Futsal!
It is with endless gratitude that The Gloom was able to strike a deal with the Santa Fe Public Schools to use their gymnasiums for their four home-game season. Now in their third season, The Gloom have arguably the strongest (and loudest) fan base in the National Futsal Premier League. Attendance has surpassed 500-plus multiple times. Vendors, food merchants, and a live DJ give families a safe and exciting way to connect and cheer for a home team. The games are also free.
From its unique logo and name, The Gloom gives fans and the city a different identity. Gloom players are born-and-raised Santa Fe’ans, ther’re your kids youth soccer coaches and community members.
The culture is a badge of honor for the Gloom brand. Through and through, it is everything the Santa Fe culture represents.
The Santa Fe Gloom just wrapped up their second season in the National Premier Futsal League and are already planning for season three.