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:

His BGSB school team won over 75 consecutive games in 5 years
Captain of his u19 county (state) team
Played against the USMNT (1990) and in the US Open Cup Final (1993)
Professional player and captain of the Philadelphia Freedom
Member of teams that have won the state Open & Amateur Cups numerous times
Winner of the over 30 State Cup with 3 different teams
Winner of juggling competition at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia

Was a full time PE / Health teacher for ten years at the Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill
Has professional coaching licenses from both the UK & USA
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.