Wallace Elementary teacher Emma Raine with members of Wallace United
Wallace Elementary third grade teacher Emma Raine knows a little something about soccer. The Dallas Lutheran graduate played on her high school team and on a co-ed team with friends from Lake Highlands High School through the LH Soccer Association, and her family hosted English referees for the international youth soccer tournament Dallas Cup. When a group of her students – refugees who recently arrived in Dallas from far-away villages – expressed interest in playing in the spring, she decided to take action.
Raine has created a GoFundMe page, and she’s inviting LH friends and family to donate.
“After we were unable to find these boys a team, we decided to form our own team – Wallace United,” wrote Raine. “Wallace United is a team created by third graders that are refugees from Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Their hard working families support their children with limited resources. The boys’ love for soccer and the community motivates me to teach and support them. We are asking for your assistance to help provide uniforms, cleats and soccer equipment. Lake Highlands Soccer Association has offered assistance with the league and registration fees. At the end of the soccer season, any additional money raised will be donated to LHSA. The season starts March 4th. We hope you can come out and watch us play!”
