Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
The soccer simulator at The Magic House
A new exhibit at The Magic House (516 S. Kirkwood; 314-822-8900) marries the children’s museum’s mission of learning through play with the new St. Louis CITY SC team to teach kids about health and wellness through sports.
The St. Louis CITY SC Soccer Training Center exhibit opened March 16, and it includes a simulator where kids can kick a real ball into a virtual net; a model of the CITY team’s locker room where kids can try on shin guards and kits; and a rowing machine, pull-up bar, and stationary bike to test their strength and endurance.
The exhibit, which has been in the works for more than a year, was a collaboration between The Magic House and the CITY SC ownership team, which largely consists of members from Enterprise’s Taylor family.
“Our goal at CITY SC is to make soccer accessible to all children across the region, and we are thrilled to partner with The Magic House to bring the fun, excitement, and athleticism of soccer to more St. Louis families and those visiting St. Louis,” said St. Louis CITY president and CEO Carolyn Kindle in a statement.
A donation from Jo Ann Taylor Kindle made the exhibit possible. “I loved playing sports growing up, as did my girls and their cousins,” said Jo Ann Taylor Kindle in a statement. “As a mom, grandmother, and sports fan, I’ve seen the incredible benefits sports can have on our children’s confidence, leadership skills, and overall health. Our hope is [that] families have a wonderful time playing and imagining in the CITY Soccer Exhibit at The Magic House and together, build a lifelong love of soccer.”
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
The training center portion of the City SC exhibit at The Magic House
Although MLS is a men’s professional soccer league, Magic House president Beth Fitzgerald says that what’s great about a soccer-specific exhibit is that there are plenty of opportunities for girls and young women to play on teams in St. Louis.
“In the past, this exhibit was focused on football, and not that girls can’t play football too, but not as many play as soccer,” she says. “So many children are living inactive lifestyles,” she says, “and anything we can do to try to get kids to think more about physical fitness and what they can do at home [is a good thing].”
