By next spring, young soccer players in St. Charles County can expect a new place to play. Cottleville City Fields (5854 Hwy N), a 13-acre training center located at the site of the former St. Louis Scott Gallagher Mid-Rivers Complex, will feature two full-size, 11-versus-11 fields that can be divided into smaller fields. Here’s what you can expect once the project, scheduled to break ground this fall, is complete.
Background
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For several years, Andy Kohl and his wife, Amy, have wanted to find a way for teams in St. Charles County to regularly play on high-quality fields close to home. As their three young children have gotten older, the couple has discovered that getting time on good fields can be a challenge.
“Our teams were always fighting for time,” Andy Kohl says, “and when you can’t secure field space, you end up practicing at some subpar facilities, or just not training at all. When we found out this property was becoming available, we knew this was the kind of opportunity that we had been hoping for over the last few years.”
The plan is to make Cottleville City Fields available for local independent youth club teams—Cottleville United, Impact City FC, and Komo FC are among those interested in utilizing the fields—and trainers. Andy Kohl says the project, which is being developed by Byrne & Jones Construction, will be privately financed.
Construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2024 spring season.
“We want to break ground sometime before November 1,” Andy Kohl says. “The rough timeline for construction is about 8–12 weeks.”
The fields
Cottleville City Fields is designed to allow several teams to train at once. The two 11-versus-11 fields can be divided into four 9-versus-9 fields, or six 7-versus-7 fields.
The entire playing surface will be turf.
“There are a few different reasons for going with turf,” Andy Kohl says. “Probably the biggest thing is the consistency that you get for training. As we talk with other coaches and trainers in the area, having access to turf and the consistency you get with that [surface] can really speed up the development of these youth players. It helps with the rainouts, too.”
Beyond serving as a space for games and practices, the complex will include other amenities, including lights, a large picnic area, and space for food trucks.
“We want to set up the facility so that on busy weekend days and nights, we’ll be able to offer food and beverages for the parents and grandparents that will be there watching their kids play soccer,” Andy Kohl says.
Expert insights
After taking control of the site earlier this summer, the Kohls sought input from local teams to learn which features would be most valuable in a new complex. They’ve also leaned on the expertise of Byrne & Jones Construction’s Matt Hicks and former United States Men’s National Team member Brad Davis.
Andy Kohl says Davis, a St. Charles native who played nearly 400 matches in Major League Soccer, has been eager to share thoughts and provide consultation as the project nears the construction stage.
“His knowledge of the soccer landscape has been invaluable,” Andy Kohl says. “He’s been along for the ride, giving input on what would work, as well as what might not work. He’s been really influential as far as making sure the design of the facility is top notch.”
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