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Hi! My name is Aleksei Popov

We nurture and develop aspiring young players in Toronto, Canada. Our Academy was established on July 2, 2024.

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What is Smart Goal Academy?

Unique Training System

Classes are tailored for children aged 3 to 16, considering the physical and psychological needs of each age group.

Confidence and Character

We nurture a love for sport from an early age, improving health, coordination, and self-esteem while building character. Self-esteem growth and character building.

Proven UEFA-Based Methodology

The exercises are based on the international UEFA methodology; “Smart Goal” training is aimed not only at learning the basics of soccer, but also at building character, team work and helping each other. Designed to benefit children of all levels and abilities.

Meet Our Founder & Head Coach

Behind Smart Goal Academy stands a coach dedicated to developing not just skills, but confidence and passion for the game.

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PhD in Physical Training & Sport.

PhD in Physical Training & Sport.

Licensed UEFA and CONCACAF Coach

Licensed UEFA and CONCACAF Coach

Meet Our Founder & Head Coach
  • PhD in Physical Training & Sport.

    PhD in Physical Training & Sport.

  • Licensed UEFA and CONCACAF Coach

    Licensed UEFA and CONCACAF Coach

  • Winner of the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

    Winner of the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

  • Two-time Silver Medalist of the European Futsal Championships.

    Two-time Silver Medalist of the European Futsal Championships.

  • Author of UEFA Coaching Programs.

    Author of UEFA Coaching Programs.

Winner of the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

Winner of the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

Two-time Silver Medalist of the European Futsal Championships.

Two-time Silver Medalist of the European Futsal Championships.

Author of UEFA Coaching Programs.

Author of UEFA Coaching Programs.

Discover Your Child’s Football Age

Every child has a “football age” that may be different from their actual age. Fill out the form and our coach will contact you to share the results and provide personalized recommendations.

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More than just soccer

A set of sports exercises

combining elements of general physical training and exercises with a ball

Development of fundamental soccer skills

and introduction to the elements of soccer

Building character

working as a team and helping one another

Provide each child

with a friendly and supportive atmosphere

background-image Training Program

Training Program

Thanks to which your child will achieve success in football.

The training methodology and program have been developed in conjunction with professional coaches and child psychologists

• An open, positive, and respectful attitude toward each child.
• Comfortable involvement in sport and an effective motivational system for each age group.
• Adequate group sizes depending on age and facility size.
• Balanced, engaging, and fun classes held 2–3 times per week.
• Classes grouped by season.

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THORNHILL

THORNHILL

Friday
Age Group: 3–4 y.o.

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bayview Glen Public School

Address: 42 Limcombe Dr, Thornhill, ON L3T 2V5

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THORNHILL

THORNHILL

Tuesday & Friday
Age Group: 5–7 y.o.

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: St. Elizabeth Catholic High School

Address: 525 New Westminster Dr, Thornhill, ON L4J 7X3

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THORNHILL

THORNHILL

Tuesday & Friday
Age Group: 10–13 y.o.

Time: 7:00 PM
Location: St. Elizabeth Catholic High School

Address: 525 New Westminster Dr, Thornhill, ON L4J 7X3

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WOODBRIDGE

WOODBRIDGE

Monday & Thursday
Age Group: 3–4 y.o.

Time: 6:00 PM 

Location: St. Gregory the Great Catholic School

Address: 140 Greenpark Blvd, Woodbridge,ON L4L 6Z6

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WOODBRIDGE

WOODBRIDGE

Monday & Thursday
Age Group: 10–13 y.o.

Time: 7:00 PM 

Location: St. Gregory the Great Catholic School

Address: 140 Greenpark Blvd, Woodbridge,ON L4L 6Z6

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WOODBRIDGE

WOODBRIDGE

Tuesday & Friday
Age Group: 5-7 y.o.

Time: 6:00 PM

 Location: St. Clement Catholic School

Address: 40 Bainbridge Ave, Woodbridge,ON L4L 3Y1

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WOODBRIDGE

WOODBRIDGE

Tuesday & Friday
Age Group: 7–9 y.o.

Time: 7:00 PM

 Location: St. Clement Catholic School

Address: 40 Bainbridge Ave, Woodbridge,ON L4L 3Y1

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WOODBRIDGE

WOODBRIDGE

Wednesday
Individual Training (All Ages)

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: St. Gregory the Great Catholic School

Address: 140 Greenpark Blvd, Woodbridge,ON L4L 6Z6

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Specifics of Organizing and Conducting Standardized Exercises in Teaching 5–6 Year Old Children the Technique of Playing Football
Smart Goal Academy

Specifics of Organizing and Conducting Standardized Exercises in Teaching 5–6 Year Old Children the Technique of Playing Football

Abstract The present article examines the specifics of organizing and conducting standardized exercises in teaching 5–6 year old children the.. Read more

By Aleksei Popov
November 30, 2025
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Why football is the best choice for young children (ages 3–9)
Smart Goal Academy

Why football is the best choice for young children (ages 3–9)

✅ 1. Football develops the whole body — not just one ability Unlike highly specialized sports, football provides comprehensive physical.. Read more

By Aleksei Popov
January 5, 2026
No Comments
A POSSIBLE ALGORITHM FOR ORGANIZING FIRST-YEAR FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR 5–6-YEAR-OLD BOYS AND GIRLS
Smart Goal Academy

A POSSIBLE ALGORITHM FOR ORGANIZING FIRST-YEAR FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR 5–6-YEAR-OLD BOYS AND GIRLS

Aleksei N. Popov, Boris G. Chirva, Vladimir S. Kozlov Abstract The first year of football training plays a critical role.. Read more

By Aleksei Popov
November 30, 2025
No Comments
Improving Finishing Efficiency in the Penalty Area: Methodological Insights for Youth Football
Smart Goal Academy

Improving Finishing Efficiency in the Penalty Area: Methodological Insights for Youth Football

Abstract This article explores the methodological foundations for improving the effectiveness of attacking actions inside the penalty area. Based on.. Read more

By Aleksei Popov
November 30, 2025
No Comments

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