E56 - Matthew Joseph, the Arsenal Coach

The Christians in Sport Podcast

Matthew Joseph is the man 'coaching the coaches' at Arsenal Football Club's Academy. Matthew played as an Arsenal and England youth team player, gaining an Arsenal pro contract at eighteen. However, at nineteen he was released by Arsenal, a decision that he says broke his heart. He went on to play over 400 games in English League Football for Cambridge United and Leyton Orient before retiring and becoming a coach at the FA. In 2022 Matthew completed a career circle, rejoining Arsenal to oversee the Academy Coaching staff.
Danno caught up with Matthew to talk about his playing career, his role now as Academy Coach Developer at Arsenal F.C. and what it looks like to live as a Christian in the high-pressure world that is professional football.
(1:15) How do your sport and faith connect?
(2:08) What's it like to be released from a Football Academy?
(8:27) Coping with being released.
(11:22) Identity in retirement and becoming a Christian
(15:33) Why do you want to be a coach?
(19:46) Arsenal's values and caring for young players
(23:07) How has the process of releasing academy players changed?
(27:00) Managing young players on a performance pathway
(28:10) What would you say to a parent of a player who's been released?
(31:32) Understanding your value in a world dominated by performance
(33:45) Being part of the Christians in Sport coaches network