Steve Pecher grew up playing soccer starting at the age of 5 and worked his way through all levels, winning a high school state championship in 1974 and a college national championship in 1975. In 1976, he played for the Dallas Tornado in the North American Soccer League and was named Rookie of the Year. His soccer career led to Pecher playing for the U.S. National Team and the St. Louis Steamers.
Upon retirement in 1988, Pecher started working for Marriott in St. Louis and rose to the position of Director of Hotel Sales. He eventually took on the position of executive director for the Busch Soccer Club before partnering with two other directors to merge 1,800 players and three of the top clubs in St. Louis to launch St. Louis Scott Gallagher.
St. Louis Scott Gallagher is a youth soccer club that has a mission to positively impact the development of its players on and off the field and positively impact the community.
Under Pecher’s leadership, the club has grown to 4,000 select players with 5,000 recreational players. Its facilities are known around the country as being first class with the WWT Soccer Park leading the way. The club has produced players at every level and is in the top 5 in the country for regional and national championships.
“I have been involved with soccer in many ways since 1960,” said Pecher. As the president of the organization, Pecher was instrumental in the launch of Upper 90 which impacts the needy throughout the community.
“The club started an inner city program several years ago and has developed several players who have gone on to play for several universities,” said Pecher. “This is a dream come true for me to continue to impact young people and stay involved in the game of soccer.”
Pecher has also led the quest to create the Living Legacy program that provides players scholarships. This year alone, St. Louis Scott Gallagher has provided 80 scholarships to players and supports the Upper 90 Program that provides the teams opportunities to give back to the community.
While balancing the duties of the president of the organization, Pecher still finds time to coach two U10 girls teams. “I have been coaching youth teams for 35 years and it is my greatest accomplishment,” he said. “I have been blessed to be able to be around the game I love.”
Pecher is also known for leading by example. “On most mornings, you will find me around the Soccer Park picking up and emptying trash,” he said. “A strong leader leads by example, is flexible and knows how to delegate.”
For his passion for the game and willingness to share that with the youth of the community, Pecher has been named a titan.
