Built by a coach. Run by coaches. Trusted by parents.
We coach 1,200 young footballers a year, at the standard we wanted other places to meet six years ago.
Proven progression pathway
Feeding the country’s top academies
A coach who saw too many kids filtered out
Emeel Mati, UEFA B Licence, FA Advanced Youth Award, FA Level 3 Talent ID. Fifteen-plus years coaching at grassroots, academy and international level.
Six years ago Emeel watched too many talented young players get filtered out of football early, either by academy gatekeeping or by grassroots clubs without qualified staff to actually develop them. Between those two extremes was a gap. Matico fills it.
- UEFA B Licence
- FA Advanced Youth Award
- FA Level 3 Talent ID
- FA Safeguarding Lead
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
“The job of a youth coach isn’t to find the talent. It’s to develop the player. Those are different things.”
Five things we hold to, every season
Player first
Every decision starts with what’s right for the child, ahead of the coach, the parent, and the result on the day.
High standards
FA-qualified coaching. Vetted staff. Maintained pitches. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
Real development
Structured progression across technical, tactical, physical and mental pillars. Measurable, weekly.
Safe & inclusive
DBS-checked staff, designated safeguarding leads, every child welcomed regardless of starting level.
Joy of the game
Discipline matters. So does fun. We keep both in view, every session, because that’s why kids fall in love with football.
Matico, by the numbers
From a coach’s frustration to 1,200 players a year.
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2018
Founded
Emeel Mati starts Matico after years coaching at academy and grassroots level.
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2020
First centre opens
The Surrey Development Centre launches with two age groups and a single coach.
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2022
500th player
Five hundred children coached. First residential camp runs in Sussex.
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2024
Athletes Club launches
Invitational training programme begins. First cohort goes on to academy trials.
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2026
Today
1,200 players a year. 8 venues. 12 FA-qualified coaches. Same standard from day one.
Five values we coach by, every session
The values that show up on every camp, every session, every booking.
FA-qualified coaching
Every coach holds a minimum FA Level 2. Eight of our twelve hold UEFA B; four hold FA Advanced Youth Award. Every session led by a credentialed coach.
Low coach-to-player ratios
Maximum 1:12. At larger camps, additional support staff. Your child gets seen, and gets feedback every session.
Enhanced DBS, every coach
We renew DBS checks annually. We audit the register monthly. A Designated Safeguarding Lead is present at every session.
Real progression
Four-pillar method, technical, tactical, physical, mental. Term-by-term assessment. Written feedback to parents.
Inclusive coaching
Grouped by age, mixed across abilities. The shy first-timer welcomed alongside the regular. Everyone develops.
“Six years coaching with Matico. Through holiday camps, the development centre, then Athletes Club. The standard has never dropped. The coaches treat my son like a footballer worth investing in, even on the days he doesn’t turn up the way he should.”
Sarah, parent of Jacob (now 13)
Latest from Matico
Summer Camp 2026, bookings now open
Five residential weeks confirmed across the South East for Summer 2026.
5 drills to improve young footballers
Five technical drills from our Development Centre sessions for any back garden.
How to support your child’s football journey
What helps and what holds young players back, from car rides to kit choices.
Want to see what we do, up close?
Book a free Development Centre session, request an Athletes Club trial, or just send us a message.