Smart Soccer History 

In the Beginning

Smart Soccer International Inc. was founded by Neil M. Smart in 1987. Neil had worked seasonally in the USA in 1985 and 1986 before settling permanently in the USA in 1987. He immediately founded 'Smart Soccer' whilst also teaching full time at the Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill. Over the past 20 years 'Smart Soccer' has evolved from mainly a summer camp program to a full time year round professional provider of soccer training and education.

Neil is proud of the many community soccer partnerships that 'Smart Soccer' has established over the years. Since its inception the company has worked in partnership with over 200 clubs, schools and townships.  More recently though Neil's deliberate policy has been to guide 'Smart Soccer' into a more personalized training program pursuing a 'Small is Beautiful' corporate philosophy.

Smart Soccer - Brief Highlights

In 1987 Neil arrives permanently in the USA from England - specifically Barrow-in- Furness, Cumbria - he will always be a proud Barrovian! Not to mention a lifelong fanatical fan of MUFC and England!

Many 'coaches of character' have graced the Smart Soccer camps and clinics over the years here is a brief glimpse of a few notables. A 'magnificent seven' if you will!

�        Terry 'El Tel' McDonald: the wizard of the dribble was a main man in the early years of Smart Soccer Terry truly was an amazing bloke both on and off the field. Some timeless memories - we miss you Tel!

�        Ian Strain: an outstanding coach but most of all a friend, a cousin, a brother always loved and always missed
 

�        John 'The Dog' Reynard: took no prisoners but with a heart of gold � a flick from the dog is right! What a man forever in our hearts
 

�        Kevin Cassidy: the Scottish-Irish-American who doubled as a chauffeur. A great personality as a coach with the kids it is not difficult to recollect some great times in 'The Cassidy era'
 

�        Brian St. Leger: the amiable Irishman. A great man, top coach and good friend once I got over the fact he supported Liverpool! Also my Micro Soccer and Continental partner for many years!
 

�        Neil 'Cal' Callister: 'with a knapsack on my back' head down and get it done. Cal coached like he played - from the centre circle! Restroom breaks aside another fantastic character with the kids whilst managing to be a cross between a bookworm and a social butterfly
 

�       Mike McAllister: Mike has been affiliated with Smart Soccer for over a decade and continues to 'reach and teach' hundreds of youngsters annually in his role as a Director of coaching programs. His enthusiastic, innovative and caring style of coaching is equally successful with complete beginners and top level travel team players. Mike and I could certainly write a book of anecdotes and amusing incidents both on and off the field!
 

In closing this seems like an appropriate place to thank a few significant people:

•      To Bonnie (and Kenneth!) who has always been there to support the development of Smart Soccer from the very beginning
   
  

•      To mam (Jean), dad (Steve), Auntie Eunice & Uncle John who we love and miss back in England.  
  
  'Give me the child until he is 7 and I will give you the man'
   
  

•      To our many friends in local soccer communities and beyond. What started as business turned into lasting friendships and for that I am forever blessed
   
  

•      As we move forward to offer a 'welcome aboard' message to Scott Cusworth, a former seasonal employee who has joined Smart Soccer full time in 2009
   
  

Thank-you for taking the time to read a brief history of Smart Soccer

Back to Top