Soccer players of all abilities and all ages from across the metro St. Louis area will unite to kick off the St. Louis soccer season and attempt to break a world record at the first-ever Great St. Louis Soccer Dribble.

Players of all ages are invited to participate as the group attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the most people dribbling soccer balls at the same time. Mayor Francis Slay is the Honorary Chairman of the event.

Soccer players from across the metro St. Louis area will unite to kick off the St. Louis soccer season and attempt to break a world record at the first-ever Great St. Louis Soccer Dribble. Players of all ages are invited to participate as the group attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the most people dribbling soccer balls at the same time. Mayor Francis Slay is the Honorary Chairman of the event and will serve as MC.

When I was a kid, I was, shall we say, sports challenged. You name the sport, I was bad at it. Soccer was about the only one I felt remotely confident playing. It’s a straightforward game — get the ball into the opponent’s goal. And it didn’t require the ability to keep the ball in the air or get it through a hoop.

Perhaps that’s why soccer is considered the world’s sport. People around the globe love to play soccer.

Seven years ago, soccer enthusiasts Tom Michler, Tim Tettambel, and Tom McCarthy started New Dimensions, a non-profit organization to help kids play. Many of the kids who participate are refugees from other countries, but everyone is welcome. The organization is 100 percent volunteer and participation is free or low-cost.

About four years ago I was asked to appear as a guest on a sports talk radio show, in a segment about feeding kids after sports practices and games. Driving home from hockey the other night, I got to thinking about how radically the fast-food world has changed in those four years.

The Magic House is celebrating the start of the 2010 Rams Football Season with a Kids’ Tailgate Party. All visitors wearing blue and gold or official Rams apparel will be treated to free tailgate treats - all with a healthy twist. Learn special cheers and participate in fun football activities. The Kids’ Tailgate Party is sponsored by the Midwest Dairy Council and the St. Louis Rams. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included with Magic House admission of $8.75 per person for ages 1 and up.

More information: www.magichouse.org