TEENAGE sportsman Joel Taylor is keen to see how far soccer can take him and right now, the sky’s the limit.
Joel, his family and friends, are fundraising to get him to Cranbourne in Victoria so he can represent Queensland as part of the U17 National Squad at the Christian Football Federation Australia national titles.
Rosewood Lions Club have stepped in to help with some of the costs and have donated $1,000 towards his trip.
Club treasurer Bruce Richards said he discovered Joel’s aspirations when Rosewood Hardware held a sausage sizzle to help raise money.
The Taylors estimate Joel will need around $3,000 to get to Victoria as well as cover expected and unexpected costs.
“Joel and his supporters have raised over a third of their target through meat tray raffles, gold coin entry to soccer events and sausage sizzles,” Bruce said.
“The fundraising and support shown to Joel are examples of community businesses and organisations supporting individuals and families within our community.
“The saying it takes a community to raise a child is relevant but in today’s fast moving society, it takes more than that for them to achieve their goals.”
The teenager’s love for the sport began in 2017 when he played for the Laidley Lions.
In 2021, he signed up with the Rosewood United Soccer Club and the following year, he was awarded the Top Goal Scorer trophy. He kicked 35 goals that season.
This year, he is playing for the Rosewood Crusaders and the West Zone Team.
In the Queensland Christian Soccer Association two-day state carnival at Redbank Plains in May, his team played six games and won through as Reserve Champions.
Following the final game, a talent scout approached Joel and invited him to try out for the Queensland U17 National Squad.
After competing in the try outs, Joel received confirmation he was part of the squad.
“The Lions Club looks forward to following Joel’s career in his chosen sport and for him not to be held back due to any constraints knowing he has the support of family, businesses and community,” Bruce said.
“His performance in soccer has shown his passion for the sport and the commitment to achieve and excel within it.”
