ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - St. Louis CITY SC will be making a major addition this summer.
In collaboration with the club’s first founding partner and official kit sponsor, Purina, CITY is in the process of welcoming its first ever team pet to support players, staff and fans.
The team pet, which is a trained and certified facility dog, will provide wellbeing support by spreading positivity and joy with players, staff, fans and supporters.
“Since announcing our partnership with CITY SC, we’ve envisioned a world where we work together to redefine the role of pets in sport. Since then, we’ve taken amazing strides toward our shared ambition to make CITY SC the most pet-friendly sports club in the world,” said Andrea Faccio, President and Chief Growth Officer at Purina. “Assisting CITY to welcome a team pet that’s certified as a facility dog will deliver something tangible and authentic to the soccer club, CITY fans and to our community as a whole. We’re firm believers in the power of pets, and there may be no greater illustration of that positive impact than through a program like this.”
To facilitate dog training and certification, Purina will be assisted by St. Louis-based nonprofit CHAMP Assistance Dogs, which focusses on utilizing the love and healing power of dogs to improve the lives of people in its community.
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CITY SC says the CHAMP-trained team pet will help reduce stress and anxiety, decrease feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression, and even lower blood pressure.
“A Major League Soccer season is long and can be grueling for our players, both on and off the pitch,” said St. Louis CITY SC Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel. “We are extremely fortunate to have a partner like Purina who is willing to support us – and our fans – in new and innovative ways. It’s going to be a lot of fun for all of us having the team pet around and we are eager to welcome the dog to the CITY SC family.”
As part of its role with the club, the team pet will be part of Energizer Park’s match day traditions, join the players in day-to-day activities, spread joy to all members of the organization, and represent a positive beacon for fans.
The team pet will also participate in the club’s community outreach events, including visiting schools, hospitals and nonprofits; and being involved in charitable activities.
“St. Louis has an unmatched charitable spirit and a desire to take care of each other,” said Ken Earley, Director of Community Relations at St. Louis CITY SC. “Welcoming a team pet with the help of Purina is a tremendous asset that will enhance our club’s ability to continue to be an exceptional club and neighbor and make a positive impact across our region.”
For more on St. Louis CITY SC, click here.
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