Juan Antonio Reyes - Estrella de Oro

A Seat At The Table

I represent everyone who has ever felt like they do not belong at the table. I want them to know that there is a place for them here. We do not always see Hispanic representation in many areas of life, and that is something I am trying to change.

My name is Juan Antonio Reyes. I am 30 years old and currently live in Grain Valley, Missouri, where I work as a Franchise Business Consultant. I am also the head coach for the EDO Academy U16 boys team, the Director of Coaching at Estrella de Oro (EDO Academy), and a goalkeeper coach at a local college.

I was born in Texas, but I come from an immigrant family from Mexico. We moved around a lot, so I have lived in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. I have three older siblings who were born in Mexico, and I am one of the youngest three siblings who were born in the United States.

I remember going with my older brothers when they registered for their first soccer season and I immediately knew I wanted to play. The following year, my parents were able to register me. From there, the game grew into a way to express myself and connect with others.

I got involved with EDO through persistence. I had been messaging and calling different clubs around the Kansas City metro area, but no one really gave me an opportunity. That changed in 2023 when I met Victor while working for the City of Kansas City. He told me about EDO, what he does and why he does it - and that really connected with me. Victor’s dad, Juan Muñiz, began EDO, and he has continued it and has seen it grow.

Victor is the Club Director. He works long hours to be able to find funding for the club so players do not need to pay thousands of dollars. He wants to see the community where he comes from succeed. When others close the door behind them, he opens them. He bought a passenger van so if players cannot make it to games or even practices, he goes and picks them up. He has many times gone as a guardian to kids’ conferences because their parents could not make it. For me, he gave me my opportunity when no one else even answered my calls. He has helped to pay for my coaching licenses.

Estrella de Oro

EDO was created 21 years ago during a time of high gang involvement. Juan Muñiz wanted to keep his two kids away from that life, so he gathered a group of kids from the Northeast and created a space where they could feel safe, supported, and valued.

The organization provides opportunities not only to play, but to grow as individuals. For many kids, it opens doors they might not have otherwise had.

Many of our players come from immigrant families, where basic needs like food and housing are the priority. Because of that, access to things like equipment or school supplies can be difficult. EDO helps by organizing drives to provide the community with free shoes, clothes, and school supplies. We try to remove as many barriers as possible so kids can simply be kids and enjoy the game.

We encourage parents to be present at practices so they can enjoy the experience too. We even organize games like parents versus kids so everyone can get involved.

We make it a point to connect with players. When they get to the park, we ask about their day and just talk with them. That connection builds trust and helps create an environment where they feel comfortable and valued.

Bigger Than The Badge

I use soccer as a way to have real conversations with my players. There are going to be difficult moments in life, but that does not mean you should give up. I also want them to enjoy the little moments on and off the field. At the end of the day, soccer helps build resilience, appreciation, and a mindset that they can carry through life.

At the end of the day, they are kids, and they want to be kids. I want them to enjoy that. I remind them that soccer can be more than just fun - it can be a pathway to bigger and better opportunities.

Soccer gives the kids in our programmes a sense of belonging. When they are with the team, I want them to feel like they belong. Some kids may not always feel that way at home, so I want them to know that EDO is a place where they know someone is listening and cares about them.

At the end of the day, we are all human. We are bigger than just the badge on our jersey, and I hope that people take a moment to understand the stories, struggles, and dreams behind the game.