Foundation Supports New Dimensions After-School Program

The Bob Emig Foundation presented a check for $4,000 to New Dimensions Soccer in support of its after-school program at Mason Elementary School in St. Louis City.

The school serves more than 400 students from Pre-K to 6th Grade; over 40% are immigrants or refugees.  The Monday/Wednesday after-school program engages the student in grades 3-6 in activities that include soccer skills, playing the game, life skills development and other enrichment activities.

“We are excited to support New Dimensions Soccer after-school program,” said Camille Emig-Hill, chairman of the Bob Emig Foundation.  “We are always looking for opportunities to encourage youth participation in sports, but especially those that include mentoring and life skills development. We hope that our support helps build this popular program for students, many of which wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.”

New Dimensions Soccer co-founder Tom Michler says the keys to the success of the program are mentoring and keeping it fun.  In addition to soccer skills, the youth learn what it means to be a good teammate and other values, and life skills.

The Foundation raised funds for the program at its Celebrating Leaders in Youth Sports event held in October.  The event honor leaders in youth sports who demonstrate the principles that the Bob Emig Foundation encourages, especially “going beyond the game” to be a role model for youth on and off the field.

This year’s honorees included Jackie Joyner-Kersee, one of the greatest athletes of all time and an ongoing supporter of youth sports; Tom Michler, co-founder of New Dimension Soccer which teaches and mentors youth through the game of soccer; Sterling Finney, founder of StL Football U which uses the platform of football to teach sports and life skills; and athlete A. J. Schulze.

The Bob Emig Foundation is named for the late Bob Emig, an area sportswriter and a leader in developing youth through participation in sports. In line with his passion, the Foundation focuses on “Inspiring Youth…Transforming Lives” by providing youth opportunities to enjoy the benefits of a healthy sports experience.