Welcome to Matchfit Football
We're dedicated to shaping the football stars of tomorrow through our professionally designed strength and conditioning programmes tailored specifically for youth footballers.
Since 2016, we have coached over 50,000 footballers worldwide via our online training programmes and services. During this time many Matchfit players have gone on to step up to pro club and in some cases even international level, with players consistently highlighting the central role that improving their athleticism and mental performance had in helping make the step up possible.
We understand a parent's aspirations to support their child's football journey, and we're here to provide the tools and support to help maximise the chances of making their goals a reality.
At Matchfit Football, we're more than just a training programme; we're a team of passionate specialist coaches united by a shared goal: to empower young footballers to physically and mentally thrive on and off the pitch.
Why Matchfit Football Stands Out
Specialist Guidance: Our team of strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, and sports psychology coaches bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. With a deep understanding of the unique physical and mental demands of football, we've meticulously crafted our programmes to optimise performance while prioritising safety and development.
Holistic Approach: We believe in nurturing well-rounded football athletes, which is why our training goes beyond just strength and conditioning. From agility drills to injury prevention techniques, nutritional guidance to mental resilience training, we cover all the bases which are commonly overlooked and misunderstood below pro club level, to maximise and accelerate your child's level of progress and development.
Long-Term Success: Our programmes are designed to provide a framework for sustainable, long-term success. By instilling healthy habits, peak physical fitness, fostering a growth mindset, and providing ongoing support, we set our football athletes up for success season after season.
Personalised Support: We understand that every young footballer is unique, which is why personalised coaching and support tailored to your child's specific needs and goals is part of our offering. Whether they're aiming for elite performance or simply looking to see how strength and conditioning can increase their level, we're here to guide and inspire them every step of the way.
Empowerment: At Matchfit Football, we believe in empowering young footballers to take ownership of their development. Through our programmes, we aim to instil confidence, resilience, and a love for personal development that will stay with them long after they hang up their boots.
Common Challenges Addressed
- Lacking The Strength, Speed or Stamina to Play at a Higher Level: One of the most common hurdles young footballers encounter is missing out on selection during trials due to a lack of strength, speed, and stamina. Our comprehensive strength and conditioning programmes are meticulously crafted to equip players with the physical attributes needed to stand out on trial day.
- Nerves & Confidence: Nervousness and anxiety can often prevent talented players from showcasing their true potential during trials and big matches. At Matchfit Football, we believe that mental resilience is just as crucial as physical fitness. Through tailored mental conditioning exercises and mindset coaching, we empower young footballers to overcome nerves, build confidence, and perform with composure under pressure.
- Injuries: Injuries are every footballer's worst nightmare, often derailing progress and sidelining players for extended periods. Our training programmes place a strong emphasis on injury prevention, teaching proper warm-up techniques, movement mechanics, and recovery strategies to reduce the risk of common football-related injuries.
Join the Matchfit Football family today and embark on a journey of growth, achievement, and endless possibilities. Together, let's unlock your child's Matchfit potential and set them on the path to football greatness!
Meet The Team
JAMES DONNELLY | S&C AND DIRECTOR
- Masters in Football Strength & Conditioning (Football Science Institute)
- Diploma in Football Strength & Conditioning (SAQ International)
- BSc Sports Science, L4 S&C, REPS L3 & More
- Mentored by some of the world's top Sports Scientists, working at clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona & PSG
- Represented England Schoolboys U18's & 9 Years as a Youth Player At Wycombe Wanderers FC
- Suffered career-ending injury aged 19, but was able to make a comeback to semi-pro football 4 years later thanks to the knowledge gained from his ongoing studies
YIANNI KYRIACOU | S&C AND PLAYER MENTOR
- Masters in Strength & Conditioning
- UKSCA S&C Coach, NSCA Certified S&C Specialist & More
- Yianni has experience in providing conditioning support in pro football at Leyton Orient FC and academy football at QPR
- Has coached thousands of footballers online over 5+ years with Matchfit Football, personally mentoring them to maximise their training and fulfill their athletic potential
BARNEY WREN | SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
- Masters in Sports Psychology
- Member of the British Psychological Society & More
- Works within the academy setting guiding youth players and coaches at two top Premier League clubs
- Works 1-1 with top professional players who are on the fringes of 1st team football or have been sent out on loan
SHAUN WARD | SPORTS NUTRITION
- Masters in Sports Nutrition
- BSc in Nutrition & More
- Previously worked for Science In Sport as a Performance Nutritionist
- Has worked privately with several top-level footballers, including a close link with Man Utd providing personalised nutrition plans as part of his role with SIS
ANZE POCKAJ | CUSTOM MEAL PLANS
Anže is a former professional goalkeeper who suffered a career-ending injury at the age of 22, at which point he decided to specialise in nutrition and meal planning for footballers. He has since worked with both professional and non-professional players helping them to cut fat, add muscle, have more energy and implement an eating strategy which both enhances their performances in training and matches and optimises their general health.
DARREN POTTS | MATCHFIT FOOTBALL PODCAST PRESENTER
Darren is an avid football fan and experienced podcast presenter, he closely follows players and leagues from all over the world and interviews current professional players on what it takes to become truly "Matchfit". This includes unravelling their top training tips, nutritional habits and mindset strategies to maintain elite level performance. You can catch all of the interviews on YouTube, Apple podcasts, Podbean, Spotify and on our blog!
