On a pristine indoor field, Edmonton coach Ahmad Majed observes Amelia Barata deliver a powerful kick, sending the ball soaring into the goal. Barata, who is 11 years old, has been training with the creator of Soccer Elite Academy for half of her life, but this marks their first session on Elite’s new turf.
Expressing her delight, Barata shared with CBC News, “It’s amazing – even when it’s snowing outside, I can come here to train, improve my skills, and do so without feeling the freezing cold.” She emphasized how Majed provides opportunities for young athletes like herself to join the academy, work hard, and strive to become exceptional soccer players.
In October, Elite commemorated the opening of its new headquarters — the Athletes Hanger — located just opposite the NAIT campus where Majed once played. The expansive two-level facility, a former curling rink, now features training and recovery spaces, physiotherapy areas, and a café.
Eleven-year-old Lizoux Gerriel Ouanda shared that his fitness, dribbling, and shooting abilities have progressed significantly since joining Elite at its inception six years ago, alongside his older brother who now serves as a coach. Ouanda expressed gratitude for the support he has received, highlighting the camaraderie and positive atmosphere within the academy.
Reflecting on his journey, Majed recounted how his passion for soccer began at a young age, having played for Lebanon’s national team at 14 until his family was displaced by war to Fort McMurray. Despite the challenges he faced in a new country, Majed’s love for the sport endured, driving him to create opportunities for aspiring players through Soccer Elite Academy.
In 1993, a historic match at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, where Canada drew with Brazil in an international friendly, marked a turning point for soccer in Canada. Alberta Soccer president JR Figueiredo noted the significant growth in the sport following that event, with the number of players in Alberta surging from under 10,000 to over 100,000.
Anticipating further expansion with FIFA’s return to North America, Figueiredo emphasized the need for a long-term strategy to harness Alberta’s diverse youth population and enhance soccer’s accessibility. He raised concerns about the rising costs associated with the sport, underscoring the importance of affordability to nurture talent like Alphonso Davies.
Majed emphasized that at Elite, all members, regardless of their financial backgrounds, have the opportunity to participate. Over the span of six years, the academy has flourished from 18 initial members to a thriving community of over 1,000. Elite has cultivated top-tier talent, with players progressing to professional clubs such as FC Montreal, Vancouver Rise, Whitecaps, York FC, and even clubs in Europe.
Standing proudly amidst the success of the academy, Majed remarked, “Here I am today, providing opportunities to kids that I never had. This is the essence of it all — offering them a home and a chance to pursue their dreams.”
