Matthew MacDonald

I was asked to join Lhanbryde United in June 2024 following my departure from ESCT Academy, I took charge with immediate effect conducting training sessions, individual 1-2-1 sessions as well as overseeing the squad on a matchday as we currently compete in the Moray District Welfare Leauge.

• Established positive team culture by building inclusive and supportive environment.

I was allowed to join the ESCT Academy Men’s Performance Squad in August 2022. Prior to the squad's debut match, I worked closely with manager Robbie Hope and assistant manager at the time Dominic Barstow as we reached the semi-finals of the Moray Community Cup and finished respective 6th place in the Forres & Nairn Welfare League. This allowed us to compete in the 2023 Shaka Cup, which we won following a 7-2 victory over The Vikings Football Club.

Over the year we attempted to build a squad that combined both young and experienced players where we would emphasize during our weekly training sessions playing out from the back, high pressing, and high tempo passing all while maintaining possession when possible, during my time with the first team we reached 3 semi-finals and 1 cup final over 1 year.

Design and delivery of coaching sessions which coincide with the ESCT Academy philosophy and Player Pathway with emphasis on developing the players in all aspects of the sport, in order for them to progress to the next phase in their development

Create a positive learning environment where players are given the opportunity to learn and express themselves without the fear of mistakes or failure.
Perform player assessments based on the ESCT Academy Player Philosophy & Pathway to determine the progression of individuals and if they’re read to progress up a phase to continue with their development.

Use of innovative teaching techniques to maximise player learning and development from video analysis of different formats to varying one-to-one practical sessions.