Neil
Smart Soccer was founded in 1987 by Neil Smart as a professional soccer training program that, for close to 35 years, has worked in partnership with PA and NJ based soccer clubs. Since its inception Smart Soccer has trained and developed tens of thousands of youth soccer players, while also providing ongoing education for volunteer parent coaches.
Neil was born and bred in the North of England and studied at Leeds Metropolitan University. His hometown is Barrow-in-Furness
His birth county in England was Lancashire
In 1974 Barrow became part of the county of Cumbria
Neil's Smart Soccer shirt appears in a 2001 edition of The Rolling Stone magazine!
The North of England has long been a passionate region for ‘footie’ so Neil was fortunate enough to be around the game his whole life and this, allied to his teaching background, formed the basis of the Smart Soccer philosophy.
Neil’s late wife Bonnie was also an integral part of the development of Smart Soccer, in so many ways a constant and positive behind the scenes influence.
Please read Neil's tribute page to beautiful Bonnie
Some ‘top ten’ details about Smart Soccer founder Neil Smart:
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His BGSB school team won over 75 consecutive games in 5 years
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Captain of his u19 county (state) team
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Played against the USMNT (1990) and in the US Open Cup Final (1993)
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Professional player and captain of the Philadelphia Freedom
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Member of teams that have won the state Open & Amateur Cups numerous times
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Winner of the over 30 State Cup with 3 different teams
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Winner of juggling competition at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia
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Was a full time PE / Health teacher for ten years at the Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill
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Has professional coaching licenses from both the UK & USA
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Successfully completed the famous Keswick to Barrow 40 mile run
Neil and local soccer legend Bobby Wilkinson celebrate winning the US Open Cup National semi-final versus Florida's McCormick Kickers.