On a pristine indoor field, Edmonton coach Ahmad Majed observes Amelia Barata deliver a powerful kick, sending the ball into the goal. Barata, aged 11, has been under the tutelage of the Soccer Elite Academy founder for half of her life, but this marks their first training session on Elite’s new pitch.
Expressing her delight, Barata mentioned to CBC News, “It’s wonderful – even when it’s snowy outside, I can come here, practice, enhance my skills, and do it comfortably without feeling cold.”
In a recent celebration in October, Elite inaugurated their new facility, the Athletes Hanger, situated just across from the NAIT campus where Majed once honed his skills. The spacious two-level structure, a former curling rink, now accommodates training and recovery rooms, physiotherapy areas, and a cafe.
Reflecting on his progress since joining Elite six years ago, Lizoux Gerriel Ouanda, also aged 11, acknowledged significant enhancements in his fitness, dribbling, and shooting abilities. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “They have been incredibly supportive. Everyone here is friendly, welcoming, funny, and treats me exceptionally well.”
Ahmad Majed, with a background playing for Lebanon’s national team before his family moved to Fort McMurray due to war, recounted his early struggles adjusting to the new environment without the sport he loved. He emphasized, “I was born and raised with a ball at my feet, but suddenly I found myself with beautiful fields and no ball to play with.”
In a significant event at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium in the summer of 1993, a large crowd witnessed Canada draw with Brazil in an international friendly match. This event, followed by Brazil winning the World Cup in Pasadena, California, was a pivotal moment that transformed soccer in Canada, according to JR Figueiredo, Alberta Soccer president.
Since then, soccer infrastructure development in Canada, particularly in Edmonton, has seen exponential growth, with the number of players in Alberta increasing from under 10,000 to over 100,000. Anticipating further expansion with FIFA’s return to North America, Figueiredo highlighted the need for a long-term strategy to nurture talent and improve accessibility to the sport.
Elite members, regardless of their financial background, continue to thrive under Majed’s guidance, with the academy’s membership growing from 18 to over 1,000 in just six years. Notable achievements include players progressing to professional clubs such as FC Montreal, Vancouver Rise, Whitecaps, York FC, and European teams. Currently, a talented female player from Elite has attracted the attention of Real Madrid, training with Club Deportivo Leganés.
Majed, reflecting on his journey, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to young athletes, stating, “Giving them a home and a chance to succeed is what matters most.” The Soccer Elite Academy’s exponential growth and success story are a testament to their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for aspiring players.