FEIA soccer Falcons Have the Right Man for the Job
By Michael Clarkson
When he was four, Aleks Balta was signed up for judo lessons by his father so that he would become tough. Boy, did it work!
He blossomed into a three-time Canadian junior judo champion from 1998 to 2001 and his mental toughness is carried over to soccer where he has coached or tutored Canadian international stars Tajon Buchanan, Ryan Raposo, Liam Miller and Olivia Smith.
And now, he is director of soccer and coach for FEIA’s first boys’ soccer team, bringing transferrable skills to this different team game. “My philosophy is you have to give everything to try to win with an attractive, tactical game,” he says. “But I also teach the kids life skills, perseverance, discipline and dedication on and off the field to maximize the potential they will need to perform at a higher level (after FEIA).”
Raised in Hamilton, as a player Aleks was on the Ontario team at age 16 and had professional tryouts in Serbia and Holland before injuries ended his promising career. He went on to coach in Burlington, was technical director for Mount Hamilton Youth Soccer Club, Hamilton United Elite, assistant coach at McMaster University, and led Brock University (his alma mater) to soccer playoffs from 2022 to 2025, earning the latter its first provincial OUA semi-final appearance since 2006, losing on penalties to the eventual champs.
He holds a prestigious Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “A” licence and his coaching of skills and team management are considered world class.
In its inaugural season, the soccer Falcons have 22 players – all internationals, from Brazil, Mexico, China, Costa Rica, Spain and Africa.
They play in several U.S. and Canadian showcases throughout the season as scouts and international agents watch them for prospective scholarships to colleges and universities.
In friendly matches, the Falcons beat Mohawk College 2-1 and held Brock freshmen to a goal-less draw. Falcons’ goalkeeper Stepan Horesovsky may pursue a pro career in Portugal next year.
Next season, the FEIA Eleven may have two boys’ teams for leagues and games against prep schools in the U.S. As the Falcons recruit players for coming season, those from Niagara region are welcome, including those who may play for FEIA but are not required to be students here.
Prospective players are invited to a clinic on May 21-22 (4:30-6 p.m. each day) at Youngs Sportsplex in Welland. Registration is $25 before April 30 and $45 after that.
Balta was attracted to this position because of the vision of the school’s founder and director, Paul Liu. “Look at the boys’ basketball team and what they have achieved and their graduates who have moved on to universities,” he said. “They probably have the strongest reputation in the country. Paul wants soccer to grow to that level.”
Aleks wants to continue the inclusive culture at FEIA – “to create a family environment in this beautiful game.”
