On an immaculate indoor field, Edmonton’s coach, Ahmad Majed, observes Amelia Barata as she delivers a powerful kick, sending the ball soaring into the goal. Barata, aged 11, has been under the tutelage of the Soccer Elite Academy founder for half her life, and their inaugural session on Elite’s new turf is underway.
Expressing her admiration for the facility, Barata shared with CBC News, “It’s beautiful – even when it’s snowing outside, I can come here, train, enhance my skills, and do it without freezing.” She added, “Ahmad is providing kids like me and others the chance to step onto this field, join the academy, and then strive to become exceptional soccer players.”
In October, Elite marked the opening of their new headquarters — the Athletes Hanger — just opposite the NAIT campus where Majed once honed his skills. The expansive two-level ex-curling rink now hosts training and recovery spaces, physiotherapy rooms, and a café.
11-year-old Lizoux Gerriel Ouanda noted a significant improvement in his fitness, dribbling, and shooting abilities since joining Elite at its inception six years ago, alongside his elder brother who now serves as a coach. Ouanda expressed gratitude, saying, “They have been immensely supportive. I’m really thankful. Everyone here is kind, welcoming, funny, and treats me exceptionally well.”
Ahmad Majed, reflecting on his journey, recounted playing for Lebanon’s national team at 14 until conflict forced his family to relocate to Fort McMurray. Fueled by his passion for soccer, Majed lamented the absence of playing opportunities upon arrival in Canada, emphasizing his deep connection to the sport.
In a landmark international friendly the subsequent summer, a record crowd at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium witnessed Canada draw with Brazil, who later clinched the World Cup in Pasadena, California. JR Figueiredo, Alberta Soccer president, highlighted the transformative impact of that event on Canadian soccer, leading to the construction of numerous soccer facilities across Edmonton and a substantial rise in player numbers in Alberta.
Looking ahead to FIFA’s return to North America, Figueiredo anticipates further growth, advocating for a long-term strategy to leverage Alberta’s diverse youth demographic and enhance soccer accessibility. He stressed the need to address the sport’s affordability issues to ensure talented individuals, like Alphonso Davies, have equal opportunities to excel.
Notably, Elite Academy accommodates members from various backgrounds, with their membership soaring from 18 to over 1,000 in just six years. The academy has nurtured top-tier talent, with players progressing to professional clubs such as FC Montreal, Vancouver Rise, Whitecaps, York FC, and European teams. A standout Elite player has even attracted interest from Real Madrid’s feeder club, Club Deportivo Leganés.
Majed, proud of the academy’s growth and impact, emphasized the importance of providing young athletes with a supportive environment and opportunities for growth. Standing amid the success of Elite Academy, Majed remarked, “This is what it’s all about. Giving them a home, first of all, and giving them an opportunity.”
