Helping to score

By Callan Date
JUAN Carlos Loyola continues to kick goals in the many roles he plays in life.
From founding and coaching the Doveton Special Soccer School for the last 21 years to providing hope and support to a range of people he helps through soccer-based support programs.
Mr Loyola continues to give so much to the community he loves.
And now the Endeavour Hills resident has been rewarded for his continued work with intellectually disabled youth through his nomination for a Pride of Australia award
Mr Loyola, 57, was quick to point out those who had helped him throughout his journey and said any award was a bonus that spurred him on to continue to help those less fortunate.
“I’m very happy for all my awards. But the awards don’t jump in my head all the time. They give me my strength to keep going on,” a humble Mr Loyola said.
The Argentine-born soccer fanatic said he was forever grateful to call Australia home after migrating here in 1977.
“I’m very much privilege to call myself Australian.”
He said he would not have achieved anything if it hadn’t been for the support of his wife Cristina, other family members and the volunteers who offer their time at the soccer school.
“Cristina, from day one, has really supported me. The family suffers in some way because you go away and you are at training so much.
“My daughter was only three-year-old when we started and now she is 23 years-old and working in the (disability) field.
“I may be the face of the school but there are so many other people that help out. Marge Ludecke our treasurer has been a fantastic support and her husband Brian Ludecke has been our assistant coach. They all give up their time to help,” Mr Loyola said.
The roof tiler and former league level goalkeeper said he had learnt so much from the people he has helped over the past two decades.
“People say to me what is your reward. What is your enjoyment in all of this, because when you reach 20 years you have your ups and downs.
“One of the main things I have learnt in all of this is not to complain. One day, and this is my dream, is for everything to come into place. For a disabled person to get all the opportunities we can.”
The passion to help those less fortunate doesn’t seem to be coming to an end soon for Mr Loyola.
“I don’t know how long I will keep doing it. May be another 10 to 15 years.
“When you see the smile on the kids’ faces when you come to training, it always keeps you going.”