Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching U18s East Devon Pre Season Tour 2018

MLTNC U18s toured East Devon in pre season, playing 3 games in a weekend. The first was at the picturesque St Martin’s FC in Exminster. 

The game itself was a slow burner, catching light on the hour mark when Josh Connolly split open the St Martin’s defence with an inch perfect diagonal pass for Sam Kirby who was able to get in behind and pull back invitingly for Tom Green to calmly slot home to give the visitors a deserved lead. 

St Martin’s got back into the game in fortuitous circumstances when Callum New made a good save at the feet of an onrushing forward only for it to rebound back off the striker and trickle into the unguarded net. 

But it was the tourists who won the game thanks to a calm left foot finish by substitute Connor Stevens which went in off the inside of the far post.

St Martins 1-2 MLTNC U18s

The next morning the tourists faced Southampton FC’s South West U16 side at St Peter’s School in Exeter. 

MLTNC U18s started much the better side, with midfield trio of Ben Croome, Tom Green and Isaac Ebejer swarming all over the Saints, and got their rewards when Connor Stevens cut in from the right and unleashed a sensational curling left foot shot that found the top left-hand corner of the net. 

Stevens who was captain for the day and now brimming with confidence doubled the lead just a matter of seconds later when he chipped the goalkeeper, this time with his right foot, into exactly the same part of the goal as coach Elliott Cooke described it ‘where the spiders live’. 

Stevens followed with another two smart finishes to make it 4-0 early in the second half. 

The only blot on the coffee book was hesitancy at the back which allowed The Saints to pull a goal back before right wing back Bailey Bavister found himself in an unusually advanced position, finished off a fine team move by squeezing his shot through the hands of the keeper.

Southampton South West 1-5 MLTNC U18s

The third game in three days was against Exmouth Town U18s, and after the exploits of the day before, it was clear that it was a bridge too far to play 3 games in 3 days. 

Overrun by an energetic and physical side MLTNC U18s slumped to a 9-1 thumping. 

Exmouth Town 9-1 MLTNC U18s

Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching unveil latest signing as Smith Newmans become Community Project Sponsor

Matt Le Tisser Natural Coaching are delighted to announce that a sponsorship deal has been struck with Winchester accountants Smith Newmans, helping us to fund a Community Sports Project launched in more than 20 Schools across Hampshire and Wiltshire.

"SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED, I'M YOURS!": Matt Le Tissier presented new Community kit by Nigel Newman 

Smith Newmans, a firm of Accountants Business and Tax Advisers, are sponsoring our Community Sports Coaching Programme, allowing us to provide local children to take part in Sport and enjoy Matt's "Play with Freedom" philosophy.

Our Community Programmes are currently being run in Schools in and around Southampton, including Chandlers Ford, Winchester, North Baddesley and Salisbury with our Coaching Team keen "to make a Positive Difference".

The new Sponsorship from Smith Newmans will go towards funding new equipment and team kit for the aspiring youngsters, with our coaches wearing new shirts sporting the Smith Newmans company logo.

Director of Smith Newmans Nigel Newman explains:

“We’ve been Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching’s accountants since the company began and the community programmes they run are truly inspiring – supporting kids through sport and helping to spot the footballing stars of the future. As a local firm we wanted to alleviate some of the funding issues and help this valuable community project expand into other local schools.”

Matt Le Tissier adds:

“Obviously it’s fantastic for Smith Newmans to support us. The funding will help the community coaching programme in the schools across the Hampshire and Wiltshire area. It’s a great opportunity for kids to come and play football and learn in a supportive and positive environment with top coaches. This is just the beginning for us - and we may just find the next big star of the Premier League!”

You can find a Video News Release featuring interviews with Matt Le Tissier and Nigel Newman is available here:https://youtu.be/TqtsP_mWSBY

Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching Academy Players invited to train at Staplewood

We are delighted to announce that all of our U7 - U16 Academy Players are invited to a Training Day at Southampton FC's Staplewood Training Ground on Wednesday 19th April!!!

#WeMarchOn Matt broke the exciting News to our Academy Players via his Twitter page

This fantastic opportunity will see our Academy Players train with Southampton FC Academy Coaches as well as MLTNC Coaches, before being treated to a tour around the famous Staplewood Training Ground complex.

This is a FREE event and we ask all our U7 - U16 Academy Players to email mltnaturalcoaching@live.com to confirm their place.

#MLTNCFamily 

Will's Story: We welcome on board our first ever Player from the Isle of Wight

We welcome our first ever player from the Isle of Wight into the #MLTNCFamily as Will joins the Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching Academy after impressing our Coaches.

"Footy-Mad"12 year-old Will attends Christ the King Secondary School on the Isle of Wight and is now a family member of our Academy U13's, becoming the first "islander" to do so, making the journey across every Wednesday and Friday with Dad, Ian!

MAKING HEADLINES: Will features in Island County Press

Will is passionate about football, not just playing it but studies stats all the time, and also has an interest in Athletics, competing for his School and island Athletics Teams in Hampshire at 100 and 200 metres as well as various field events, especially the high jump which he set the record for at primary school!

Will's young sporting journey hasn't been so straight forward and is one of personal triumph having been diagnosed with Children's epilepsy only three years ago, having just moved to the island at the end of 2012.

At that time Will was told by a consultant to avoid all contact sports including football, swimming, cycling & skateboarding. A huge blow for a sports mad nine year old Will, and his family.

Will was determined this was not going to stop his dreams and against all expectations he has resumed all his sport over time and in the last 18 months started to excel at both athletics and football.

This time last year he was still on 8 doses of medicine a day but being fit free for over two years now, he has gradually reduced that, and on Christmas day 2016 he was able to stop taking anything. You can see what a triumph that was for him. He was given a positive report by the consultant in the summer but only due to massive growth spurts has he kept taking a nominal amount of medicine as a precaution but he entered the New year, a very happy and healthy child.

"ALL ABOARD SHIP": Will pictured with our Head Cochaes Joe Partington, Franny Benali & "Pele" at the Academy

The consultant described his changes as "remarkable". He is determined to succeed and perhaps more than most, wanting to prove people wrong who dismissed him three years ago.

"Our son William has joined in the under 13s this year and been taken into the Academy. From the first moment we arrived at MLTNC we were made to feel extremely welcome and important despite all the other children that play here."

"The coaches went out of their way to talk to us after our first training session and that has not changed as the weeks have passed. Steve and all the coaches are always available to talk to, happy to give feedback, and above all else so positive in how they coach the children."

"While there is the necessary level of constructive criticism and good behaviour expected, the atmosphere here is better than any other academy we have so far attended." "What impressed us most was the focus on Will's health as we travel over from the Isle of Wight, and the potential impact on his schooling due to the longer days and travel. This is symptomatic of the attitude throughout the club and adheres to Matt's philosophy in every way."

"Add to that Claire's kindness to us as the "overseas player"  - (and her tea and sandwich selection on offer)   - what more could you want!"

"Thank you for making us so welcome and thank you for such a great opportunity" Ian Hall - Father.

If any local businesses or private individuals would like to sponsor Will, then please contact: sam@mltnaturalcoaching.com

From all us here at "MLT" keep up the great work, Will! #MLTNCFamily

Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching Director Francis Benali receives Freedom of Southampton

On Wednesday 16th November, Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching Director, Francis Benali, was granted the Freedom of Southampton.

SUPER-FRAN: Stands proud with Honorary Award

The honour was awarded in recognition of Fran's fund raising achievements for charitable causes, having raised more than £390,000 for Cancer Research UK.

In his most recent Challenge, Benali's Big Race Fran ran a marathon and cycled 75 miles (120km) each day for a fortnight in October with the 1,000-mile (1,600km) route linking 44 football clubs taking him to South Wales, the Midlands and the North-West, before crossing the country and returning via East Anglia and London.

Fran was welcomed "Home" with a standing ovation from fans when he arrived at St Mary's Stadium at half-time during the home match against Burnley on 16th October.

All the MLTNC Team are extremely proud of Franny as he continues to act as a truly inspirational and positive Role Model for not only our Players, but our Coaches too.
#MLTNCFamily

Matt makes Ben's Big Day with Chauffeur Surprise!

On Wednesday 20th July, Matt pulled off one of the biggest surprises for our Academy Goalkeeper Ben, as he turned up at his doorstep to chauffeur him to his Year 6 Prom!

ALL ABOARD: Ben & MLT arrive in style at the Prom

Ben's Mum & Dad had been in on the Big Surprise after initially running the idea passed Steve Phillips who asked Matt whether he would shock Ben, who has been attending our Toynbee Academy since it's birth in 2012.

Matt was keen to make it happen, so arrived equipped with Chauffeur hat at the Shaw household just in time before the Prom with Ben still completely unaware.

PAPARAZZI: Ben & MLT pose for pictures!

After going for a quick spin, suited and booted, “looking a million dollars,” Ben arrived with Chauffeur MLT at the Prom to steal the spotlight!

"Ben was so surprised and a little overwhelmed I think and he absolutely loved it." ... Click here for video!

#MLTNCFamily

Congratulations to Kezia who signs for Saints' Girls Team

SAINT KEZIA: Jody, Pele & Fran congratulate Kez!

Matt & all the Coaching Team would like to say a massive Well Done to Kezia, who becomes the 19th #MLTNCFamily member in four years to join a Professional Club after signing for Southampton FC's Girls U10's Team.

Kezia joined us initially a few seasons back at our Monday Development Centre and quickly caught the eye of our Coaching Team who promoted her up into our Wednesday Academy where she’s continued to flourish.

We are all very proud and excited for young Kezia, who has been a delight to coach and has a great attitude and desire to improve, along with bundles of natural ability.

FAREWELL KEZIA: Fellow U10, U11 & U12 #MLTNCFamily members wish Kez all the best!

"We would like to thank you, the fantastic coaches for all you have done for Kezia. She has enjoyed every moment of her time at MLT and we believe the coaching has improved both her technical ability and her understanding of the game. Thank you for letting her join the boys!” Kezia's Parents, Sharon & Mark.