The Ultimate Elite Academy Experience.
Discover the people, method, and standards behind every Matico programme.
- Our Story
- Our Method
- Our Coaches
- Our Standards
- Our Founder
Six years of academy-level coaching, five values we coach by, and one mission, helping young players develop on and off the pitch.
Proven progression pathway
Feeding the country’s top academies
Developing the child before the footballer
Matico Football was created to give ambitious young players safe, professional, and inspiring environments to develop both on and off the pitch.
Founded by Emeel Mati, a UEFA B Licence coach, FA Talent ID Level 2 scout, and current Leeds United breakthrough centre coach, Matico draws on over 10 years across grassroots, Junior Premier League, academy and semi-professional football.
Emeel noticed too many young players lose confidence or get judged too early because they develop at different ages and stages. The focus at Matico is long-term player development, building confidence, resilience, communication, leadership and football intelligence.
What started during Covid through fun drills and online content is now weekly coaching, showcase events, the Athletes Club, and elite residential camps for ambitious young players.
- UEFA B Licence
- FA Level 2 Talent ID Scout
- FA Safeguarding Lead
- First Aid Trained & Enhanced DBS
“At Matico Football, the focus is always on the individual child first, not just the player. Football should help young people build confidence, communication, leadership, resilience, and a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.”
Five values we coach by, every session
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.
Tangible 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.
“Jacob has been with Matico for over three years through fun days, Athletes Club, and residential experiences. The coaches genuinely care, build confidence, and create an environment where kids feel supported, challenged and inspired. He has grown so much, on and off the pitch.”
Sarah, parent of Jacob (now 13)
Latest from Matico
Summer Camp 2026, bookings now open
Two residential weeks at Ackworth School, West Yorkshire, confirmed for Summer 2026 (16–22 Aug & 22–29 Aug).
5 drills to improve young footballers
Five technical drills from our Fun Football Centres 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 Fun Football Centres session, request an Athletes Club trial, or just send us a message.