Passionate about helping others, Matthew joined Street Soccer with an impressive coaching portfolio, quickly becoming a friendly face for players across our London sites.
Previously employed by Crystal Palace as a performance coach, Matthew worked closely with a variety of age groups, both male and female, to ensure that the Eagles were producing top talent across the academy and first team. Matthew points to his time with the club’s first team as a great learning experience, where he specialised in data analysis and opponent analysis to help advise the Premier League coaching staff.
The experience in that environment has given Matthew a great insight in to the key factors in developing young talent and the dynamics which are important in creating a positive atmosphere for players. Now in his fifth month at Street Soccer, Matthew is responsible for all football activities such as the delivery of tournaments and sessions across multiple sites.
“I want the players to know the skills and attributes that they learn through football can be transferrable into everyday life. I like to use communication as the best example of this, we try and show the players that building that communication with players and staff can help them on their journey moving forward.”
Matthew highlights that despite his on-pitch influence with the players, he enjoys building relationships with them off the park. Looking to pass on his knowledge, the Street Soccer coach emphasised that a lot of the younger boys are always looking to learn about the game and where they can improve.
Street Soccer maintain a player first ethos and this has been something that Matthew has ensured is clear in his coaching. As lead coach for their first 11-a-side tournament together at the 32 Boro Cup, Matthew said; “My favourite memory so far has to be the training and workshops leading up the 32 Boro Cup, the excitement around the team was brilliant. Getting the players together and to bond as a team was a special moment. It was great to see them all making new friends and building new relationship with other players.”
Great to have you on board, Matthew!
