At Gateway Football Group, our goal is to unite St. Louis soccer fans through a club that is truly a club. We believe the beautiful game should be accessible and inclusive. A third space where every supporter is welcomed and feels at home. We exist to remove the barriers to affordability and accessibility in the soccer community today, and instead build a ramp for soccer supporters from every corner of the city to enjoy the full game day experience. We want fans to come as they are and find comfort and inclusion with their neighbors both on and off the field.
We have such ambitious goals and hopes and dreams, and St. Louis soccer fans are so deserving of a club who is thoughtful and intentional in our pursuit of success. For that reason, it is critical that we have a strong foundation. Our North Star strategy gives us a unified vision from the ground up, and keeps us focused on what matters most.
The Foundation: Our Seven Pillars of Purpose
In summary, our seven pillars of purpose are: Community, Authenticity, Sustainability, Inclusivity, Integrity, Legacy, and Excellency. Here is what that means to us.
I. Community First, Always.
We are built from the neighborhoods out, not the top down. Our fans aren’t in the stands, they are beside us. We show up for local causes and small businesses with the same energy we bring to game day.
II. Authentic to the Core
From the city streets to the river’s edge, from Bevo Mill to Soulard to Dogtown and beyond, we are so St. Louis. We celebrate our quirks, eat our square pizza, and stay true to who we are.
III. Sustainability by Nature and Necessity
We build smart to last long. Financially, we spend every dollar with care, investing in long-term value instead of short-term shine. Environmentally, we commit to using our platform to create a positive impact. Our club must remain vibrant and steady for generations of supporters to come.
IV. Inclusive and Welcoming
No matter who you are, you have a place in our club. We treat each other with love and respect, honor and compassion.
V. Integrity in Competition
We are gritty, and we may be scrappy, but we are fair. We earn respect, and we dish it out. When we rise, we lift up others with us.
VI. Built By and For Legacy
St. Louis is the true soccer capital of the US, taken to great heights by the heroes of our past. We aim to honor the legacy of those who came before us and the incredible history of the city whose name we wear on our chest. By celebrating our past, we are creating lasting traditions that make room for both the old and the new.
VII. Excellence in Every Touch
Excellence isn’t about perfection, it’s about pride in every detail – every pass, every handshake, every touch. We hold ourselves to the highest standard on the field and in the community. We show up polished, prepared, and passionate. Being community-built means raising the bar together.
The Playbook: Our Strategic Pathways
So how are we going to do it?
Through People
Transforming fans into teammates and giving every voice a place and purpose.
With Soul
Emanating a local vibe that feels like home.
Having Impact
Doing social good and giving back to the community through partnerships and awareness campaigns.
Showing Spirit
Celebrating our culture and building a bright future together for the next generations.
Playing Boldly
Empowering our players to take the chance, dream big, and achieve their goals.
The Horizon: Our Vision for the Future
What does success look like?
In our first season of play...
We hit baseline targets for sponsorships, memberships, attendance, and merchandise sales.
We stayed true to our Pillars of Purpose - we played competitively and with integrity; we created a memorable gameday experience for all fans.
We fulfilled all necessary requirements for entry into the Open Cup.
In 5 years...
We are leading our conference in attendance, and have maintained continuous growth in membership numbers.
We are consistently competing in Open Cup qualifying matches.
We have established a charitable branch of the club with a youth soccer camp and other community support activities.
Come build with us!
Founding Memberships will launch soon. You have a chance to make history with us, to become a voting member who will shape the future of the club during these critical first months and years. There is no other soccer club in St. Louis who can offer you that! Your support is critical to building a club that feels like home.
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