Jeff Kretchmar is the COO of the Energy FC, Oklahoma City’s professional soccer club. He has been with the Energy since day one and has made Oklahoma City his home. Kretchmar and his team’s impact on the Oklahoma City community reaches far beyond the entertainment they provide to fans. Here, we learn more about what makes Energy FC successful, and how the team gives back to the community.

Tell our readers a little about Energy FC. What makes Oklahoma City the right place for a professional soccer team? 

Energy FC found its home in OKC in 2014 and plays in the USL Championship league. As a top 50 city, Oklahoma City deserves to have professional soccer team. Soccer is a game of passion and unity, and I believe that speaks directly to the spirit of our city.  

Knowing the players and the organization, how have you seen Energy FC give back to the community, not only in Oklahoma, but across the globe?

We have many amazing programs and, more importantly, people. Whether it’s our Gulfport Energy Sidekicks program that pairs athletes from Special Olympics Oklahoma and Autism Oklahoma directly with our players to participate in many fun and engaging activities, or our support of Devon Front Line Hero, we believe in supporting every aspect of our community. Also, $2 of every ticket sold goes back to support Fields and Futures, and 15% of our concessions goes back to Oklahoma City Public Schools to help build brighter futures. We have also started a foundation, Energy Assist, [which provides youth with new soccer equipment and trained mentor coaches] to continue a legacy of giving and growth in OKC. Our players and staff are given the time, ability and encouragement to make an impact in our community.  

On the other side of that, how has the community helped support Energy FC?

Energy FC has some of the best fans in the world. They show up, they yell, they support not only us, but also follow our mission of making OKC the best place to live, work and play.

How did you get into the world of professional soccer?

I have worked in sports for 20 years and have been with Energy FC since day one. Of all my experiences, this has been the most rewarding because of the connections and unity that soccer provides.

What do you love most about what you do?

In sports we work 365 days a year so that we can bring our soccer and our passion to the field less than 40 of those days. Seeing the smiles and cheers from our fans at every home match is what makes me love our work. For 90 minutes, our fans put aside differences and life issues; they forget about whatever is going on outside of that stadium. For those 90 minutes they can scream and cheer for their team with a complete stranger and walk away with a new friend. It’s pretty magical to me.  

What makes Oklahoma City fans different from others?

Oklahomans are born champions. It’s not just the final outcome, they want to win each and every second of the match.

What was the best piece of advice you were given when you were first starting your career? 

Work harder than everyone and when you think you are done, you have at least another 20% to give.  

Where do you hope to see professional soccer in Oklahoma in the next ten years?

We want professional soccer in OKC to be what our fans want it to be—successful, thriving and part of the natural landscape of our great city and state.  

What is one thing you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

I love to cook and entertain. When you work in entertainment, there is always a show to put on for someone.

For anyone that has never been to an Energy FC game, what are they missing?

A community that is unlike any other in sport in OKC. For 90 minutes, our fans come together, scream, cheer and yell for their team. Our players take care of the soccer; our fans make it an adventure.

What is your luxiere? 

Good gin, time with friends, and watches. I mean, who doesn’t love a quality timepiece?  

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?

I cannot be successful without helping everyone on the team be successful. We rise and fall together.