Matt Couchman has 16 years of coaching experience and has been with Express since 2016 serving as a Head Coach previously the sub-director to the Express Recreational Program and is currently the Express Juniors Program Coordinator. He has played soccer since he was 5 years old, but didn’t join a competitive team until he was 11. Matt had a growing love for coaching at a young age, volunteering to coach the new intake of high school players during his final year of high school, and was an assistant coach to a Under 8 Boys team at his local boyhood club. He went on to work for Aston Villa FC as part of their development program while studying for his degree in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation at Worcester University in England. After graduating, Matt was recruited to coach in Southern California where he worked providing skills camps and coaching clinics which lead him into club soccer with Murrieta Surf and now with Encinitas Express.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY:

"I love seeing players express themselves (no pun intended).  Having freedom and enthusiasm to try new moves during games is wonderful, but I also love seeing players work the ball around as a team. I really enjoy passing on the love for the game, the knowledge and experience and helping them get the most out of their soccer!"

Favorite Player/Team:

West Bromwich Albion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Licenses/Certifications:

• USSF National C license
• English FA Level 2

Coaching Experience:

• Encinitas Express – 2022-present, Express Juniors Coordinator
• Encinitas Express - 2016-present,  Coach
• Encinitas Express – 2016 - 2018,  Sub-Director, Recreational Soccer
• Murrieta Surf – 2014 to 2016 (Girls 2002, 2004 & 2006), Pre Academy (3 & 4 year olds) Head Coach,  Finishing Fridays Co-Coach
• Challenger Sports – 2012 to 2016,  AYSO Skills Camps
• Aston Villa FC Development Program – 2008 to 2012, Development Coach
• Sutton Coldfield College – 2006 to 2007, Community Coach, Coach of the Year 2007
• Bustlehome FC – 2005-2006, Volunteer Coach, Boys Under 8s
• Manor High School – 2005 to 2006, Volunteer Coach, Boys Under 11s

Playing Experience:

• Bustlehome FC – U11 to U13, Top Goalscorer, Players' Player of the Year
• Wolverhampton Wanderers – U14 
• Bustlehome FC – U15 to U16, Top Goalscorer
• Tamworth FC – U16/17
• Willenhall Town FC – U17/18, Top Goalscorer
• Sutton Coldfield College – U17/18, Top Goalscorer. National Championship Winners
• Lichfield City FC – WMRL (2007-2008)
• Bilston Town FC – WMRL (2010-2012)