TOCA Soccer and Sports Center Denver — Attraction in Denver

UPDATE: From my most recent experience, it does seem the reffing has improved. Some calls are still questionable with inconsistency on what's being called, but the refereeing is called much tighter now. They still only have one ref per game, which I haven't seen at any other complex I've played at. My past review is below.

Specifically in regards to the soccer program they run -

The two stars are for the level of competition you can find and the quality of the fields. Everything else is severely lacking and in particular, the reffing. As a referee, you're job is to maintain safe conditions and use your discretion when dealing with fouls and players. I have now witnessed multiple altercations due to poorly controlled games, many injuries that anyone could have said were imminent from reckless players and inconsistencies beyond belief.

My personal favorite was when one of our players was openly boarded when moving down the sideline into the corner. When looking at the ref and essentially saying "what the heck", the ref with the ponytail replied "Maybe you shouldn't play against the boards." Uh.... what?

Another good story was when one of our players was given a blue card and there was a bit of commotion trying to figure out who should leave the field. Essentially no one made it off, and an entire two minutes later the ref FINALLY realized no one had left and then gave us an additional blue card for not having had someone leave the field. Forgive me, but if you send someone off of the field, you usually make sure they leave before resuming play? Imagine giving someone a red card on an outdoor pitch and not making sure they left and then just throwing another red card at the team for good measure. We had to play down to three people for that one. Blew my mind.

Refs have been late multiple times to their own game. The only indoor complex I've played at that only has ONE ref on the pitch for games. As an outdoor ref of three years, I'm blown away how little these refs use their whistle or even a strong word to calm players and the game down. After mentioning that to one of the refs at Bladium, he essentially replied, "All is well that ends well." Not how reffing works. You don't just cross your fingers that things don't escalate and when they don't, assume you're doing a good job.

All in all, it's poorly managed and the reffing is just dangerous. I'm shocked I haven't witnessed more injuries. I'd...

I have been a member of the gym at “The Bladium” for over a decade. Over time, the workout machines have become seriously outdated. For some reason, they even removed two of the more popular machines: The dip/pull-up machine and the hack squat.

The free weights and kettle weights have become an annoying patchwork. Many weights have disappeared over the years as well as the small sized slam balls. (The 14 and 15 lb. ones in particular.) Worst of all, is the ancient hodgepodge of cardio equipment. Too many are dysfunctional and none of which are synced up to the array of TVs in the cardio area, when they are actually working…

Further, the equipment both upstairs and downstairs is dirty and has been for too many years. Especially at the bottom of the equipment. The filters on the drinking fountains have probably not been changed in the past 5+ years and there is still no recycling at the facility which says a lot about management’s desire to be a good corporate citizen.

This is not an indictment of the clubs’ current management. It is most likely because of them that many members continue to maintain their memberships. They are great. But if the owners do not give them the budget to make improvements, their hands are, and have been, tied.

So, when we heard In August 2021, that “Toca” was going to lease the facility from the neglectful owners who still currently own and run a more upscale version of “The Bladium” in CA (Brad and Dave), we were hopeful that changes would “be a comin’!” In fact, not only did Toca representatives directly represent that they intend to reconfigure the gym area of the club, but that they were going to upgrade the workout machines, the free weights, and the cardio equipment! Whoopee!

Sadly, to date, nothing has been done that was represented. And nothing is going to be done. This was confirmed recently by one of the Toca regional reps from Texas. The workout area is still dated and hence, depressing. It is apparent that the Toca execs intend to promote their soccer program to the detriment of their gym members. Members pay a premium to use the gym at Toca. They charge so much more than any other gym in the area. Yet, they offer so much less. It’s an untenable situation for those of us who have not left and are...

Hi,

I have played in several Men’s and coed soccer leagues at Bladium and have had multiple poor experiences with the officiating. I do not like playing here but will get talked into subbing for a friend’s team. I do not think this is a safe soccer league. I have had teammates suffer injuries because the reffing is terrible. Games regularly get out of control. I highly encourage soccer players at the recreational and competitive levels to look elsewhere.

I was actually put in a headlock today and thrown down in a coed game, I can’t believe a soccer game got that out of control.

Looking at the other soccer reviews validates my experience. I cannot believe this place has gotten so many reviews about reffing and nothing has improved. I am not one to leave google reviews but these leagues are actually not safe. Please look elsewhere unless you are looking for WWE.

Edit 05/25/22: Hi I wanted to update my review in response to the owner. First off it is great to hear that these incidents are looked into. I wanted to clarify a couple of points made.

I am confused how the ref was looking away while at the same time I was 'persistently' fouling an opponent considering the ball was at our feet. I don't understand how the ref repeatedly missed blowing the whistle while at the same time it being a persistent and on going action.

I never punched another player. Thankfully it never got to that point, however I was prepared to protect myself.

This is the first time I had been notified of being suspended or of any action being taken after the incident. I am worried that if I never left a google review this would have not been...