For almost 15 years, Matt Driver has blazed a path in the field of player education and development in the U.S. Matt has developed age-appropriate training programs for both the individual youth player and youth teams.
He has implemented successful team tactics at the minor league level, with the South Jersey Barons professional soccer team, formally of the USL Pro League. There he won several conference titles, a Regular Session National Title and an appearance at the National Championship, making Matt the most successful team coach in the country at the USL Pro Level.
More recently, Matt is a former Founding Partner, General Manager and Head Coach of the Philadelphia Independence and was the First Assistant Coach with the MLS’ New England Revolution. He took the team from last place in the Eastern Conference to Eastern Conference Champions. They then went on an amazing run in the MLS Cup, only to lose out to Los Angeles in a thrilling, overtime Championship game in front of 62,000 screaming New England fans at Gillette Stadium.
A former professional player with Bury Football Club, formerly of the English Third Division, and Burnley Football Club, formerly of the English Fourth Division, Driver also enjoyed a stint with S. C. Herford, formerly of the Second Division of the German Bundesliga. In addition, he played in the United States with the Albany Capitals and the Boston Bolts both of the American Professional Soccer League.
The Glasgow, Scotland, native has also served as Technical Director and Chief Operating Officer for the South Jersey Barons. He holds a USSF “A” License, an NSCAA Premier License, and an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. In addition, he carries a Brazilian “A” License and a Scottish Football Association A-I License. He has also served as a State Director of Coaching for the NSCAA for the State of Delaware and Director of Olympic Development Program for the State of Delaware.
| Experience | Research & Development | Coaching Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast Commissioner of the National Premier Soccer League (2010) | Santos FC Brazil | United States Soccer Federation A License |
| Founder and former owner of the YOUTH PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE (2007-2009) | Palmaris FC Brazil | Brazilian Football Association A License |
| Founder and Former owner of the ACDIABLOS of the NPSL (2007-2009) | Corinthians FC Brazil | Scottish Football Association A-1 License |
| Founder and former owner of the CDSA Future of the WPSL (2006-2009) | San Paulo FC Brazil | NSCAA Premier Diploma |
| Founder and former owner of the Philadelphia Liberty of the WPSL (2007-2009) | Inter Milan Italy | NSCAA Advanced National Diploma |
| Founder and former owner of the ACDIABLOS of the WPSL (2006-2010) | Manchester City FC England | Author of International Best Seller - Coaching Dynamics |
| Former 1st Assistant Coach of New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. | Everton FC England | Produced and authored 3 best selling DVDs (Block Defending, Speed of Play, Transition) |
| Former Head Coach and Technical Director of USL – Pro League South Jersey Barons. | Leeds UTD. England | |
| Former Director of Coaching and ODP for the State of Delaware. | Newcastle UTD. England. |
Speaking Engagements
On top of his vast experience as a coach, trainer, and businessman, Matt is a noted speaker and presenter. The following is a small sample of recent engagements Matt has participated in.
Tropicana Casino
Engaged to teach several corporate leadership and senior team management course’. 2002- 2005
Accenture
Keynote speaking engagement for’’ team building and high performance techniques for leader within the corporate sector’’. 2005
Drexel University
Guest speaker on “Skills for Life from the field to the corporate world ‘’ 2006
Wesley College
Keynote speaker to the class leaders topic ‘’Making the difference by leading the way’’ 2006
Delaware High School Coaches Banquet
Keynote Speaker ‘’Leadership ‘’ 2007
LaSalle University
Field and class room session team building with women’s soccer program 2005
Delaware University
Field and class room session team building with men’s soccer program 1998
National Soccer Coaches Association of America
Presenter in Kansas and Philadelphia SPEED OF PLAY and TWIN STRIKER PLAY 1999 and 2002
National Soccer Coaches Association of America
Delivered Class room lecture on the NSCAA Premier Course on Team Management 2003
United Soccer Leagues
Delivered a lecture on ‘’Understanding your own political Landscape to building a business model’’ 1997
NE, Regional Referee’s AGM
Presented a communication and team building model between teams, player and referee’s 2008
Bermuda FA
Guest Instructor on the English FA B course 2005
Numerous Professional Soccer Clubs around the USA and the World…..
