Meet Matthew Bambrick: Shaping Young Athletes with Heart and Expertise in Southern California
A Lifelong Passion for Soccer and Youth Development: A Note from Matthew Bambrick
Hello, parents! I’m Matthew Bambrick, the CEO and founder of SoCal Youth Sports Solutions. From my early days in England, where the love for soccer is contagious, to my 15 years of coaching, I’ve committed to imparting the joy of this beautiful game to your children.
Creating Lifelong Memories through Soccer
Some of my fondest memories involve playing soccer. This isn’t just a game; it’s a transformational experience. I remember fondly my earliest memories playing with friends at Red House Park. Putting on the green and white hoops for Holy Name (even though we were not very good).
I want to ensure kids today get the same immense value and support I was offered as a child. Coaches like Martin (Pictured) and early days coaches like Bert Chambers and his twin sons, another “Coach Matt” have a happy place in my memory.
Real Impact: The Hundreds Still Playing. The Some Excelling
I have been very fortunate with the many children I have been able to work with over the years. My joy comes from seeing former players, like Tim Iroegbunam, making strides in the soccer world. Tim’s rise at West Brom and Aston Villa has 0 to do with me. Seeing him as a kid on the playground playing to representing a behemoth of a club like Villa is fantastic, he was a great kid growing up and glad that has continued.
Yet, the real win for me lies in knowing that countless kids I’ve coached over the years are still passionate about the game. Seeing the hundreds to thousands of kids I have encountered still playing. Still enjoying and still sharing memories is a wonderful feeling.
A Unique Coaching Philosophy for Young Stars
I employ child-centered philosophies like Teaching Games for Understanding and Constraint-Led Approaches to coaching soccer. We focus on enjoyment, engagement, and “jumping into their world.” Soccer becomes not just a game, but an immersive, exciting learning environment.
Lessons from England’s Top Clubs
My stints with Premier League clubs provided invaluable insights and experiences, enabling me to make immediate positive impacts on young players in Southern California.
My time with Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion amongst the many programs I worked with in the UK has been a wonderful education in how to build programs and support children in soccer in the best possible way
Inspiring Mantras and Life Lessons
Sir Alex Ferguson’s words, “The most important words in sport [are] well done,” resonate deeply with me. Through giving children responsibilities—like looking after their water bottle or holding themselves accountable—we focus not just on soccer skills but also on building character and sportsmanship.
The Special Value of Soccer in Childhood Development
Soccer offers a blend of chaos, fun, goals, and opportunities for kids to emulate their heroes. I’ve brought the games I loved as a kid—like heads and volleys or goalie wars—into my coaching to make it relatable and enjoyable for children.
Why Ages 3-10? Focusing on the Foundation
In a sports world often obsessed with the elite, our focus at SoCal Youth Sports is to build a broad, loving base for the sport. We aim to create the next generation of soccer stewards by providing exceptional opportunities that lead to a more understanding and engaged community.
Ready to Embark on a Soccer Adventure?
Your choice in a sports program will have a lasting impact on your child’s life. Choose SoCal Youth Sports Solutions, where we aim for more than just athletic skill; we build character, joy, and a lifetime love for soccer.
