WQAD News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union selected Ismael Ojeda for the pay it forward award in recognition of his generosity and community involvement with kids.
MOLINE, Ill. — A Moline youth soccer coach is being recognized for creating opportunities for refugee players across the Quad Cities.
Ismael Ojeda is the head coach of the Quad City Wolves youth soccer team.
“I had to create this team, so I could give them opportunities,” Ojeda said.
“It comes with a lot of passion,” player Liam Carvajao, 13, said. “In order to be good at the game, you have to start at a very young age.”
There are nearly two dozen players on the team who are refugees aged 11 to 13.
“Ismael does a lot to make this work for all of them,” pay it forward nominator Danielle Shull said. “There’s kids from Afghanistan, there’s kids from Africa, there’s a kid from Guatemala, from all over on this team.”
Shull has been a teacher to some of the students while learning and discovering the challenges they’re up against.
“I think it’s awesome,” Shull said. “I think it’s really special to see that these kids have the opportunity that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”
The Moline-based group kicked off about a year and a half ago.
Children travel to tournaments around the region and earn trophies for their hard work.
“Get the experience, get to travel around the QC, get out of the QC,” Ojeda said. “Some of these kids don’t get that opportunity. A lot of them are stuck at home, either with their electronics.”
WQAD News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union selected Ojeda for the Pay It Forward Award in recognition of his generosity and community involvement.
“I like that you have to work hard to play with people and it’s competitive and it’s fun too,” player Massoud Askaryar, 12, said.
The team relies on fundraisers and hosts events regularly. If you are interested in donating or signing up, you can reach out to the team via its Facebook page.