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Matthew Brown added to the TVFC Coaching Staff

By Toledo Villa FC Staff, 03/19/23, 2:15PM HST

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Toledo Villa FC announce Matthew Brown as our new assistant coach for the 2023 season.

With former assistant Nick Smith taking the head coaching position at Concordia (NE), Matt Brown takes his spot as Coach Matt Johnson's top assistant. We sat down with Coach Brown to learn more about him.

TVFC: How did you end up deciding to leave Canada to play collegiately at Spring Arbor?

Matt Brown: I knew from a young age that I wanted to play collegiately. I always wanted the opportunity to play abroad and I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to play at SAU.

TVFC: You played for a variety of clubs in your summer off seasons, including Toledo Villa, how was your experience playing in the various summer leagues and for us?

MB: My playing experiences were all memorable ones. Every team I played for helped me grow as a player but also helped me grow as a coach. Even though some of the teams weren’t successful, those experiences played a part in shaping how I see the game today.

TVFC: You made a quick jump into the collegiate coaching ranks, what was the inspiration for that?

MB: I was very lucky to beginning coaching collegiately when I did. I was very young. Only a year removed from being a collegiate player myself. The inspiration behind the collegiate game is that I wanted to help mold and shape the lives of young men like my coaches did for me during my college days. I just think being a college coach I much more than helping players succeed on the field, for me it's about helping ensure we set them up for success in life.

TVFC: You’ve spent time coaching in the Midwest Premier League with Livonia City FC. What was it like working with them?

MB: Both seasons I spent with LCFC as an assistant coach and as the head coach for the MWPL team were great experiences. This past summer I was named the head coach for the first team and I loved implementing my thoughts and philosophies of the game within the team. I’ll always be thankful for Livonia giving me the opportunity to take the reins.

TVFC: This fall was your first season as assistant coach for Matt Johnson at Lourdes. How was your fall and transitioning to the area?  MJ is a brilliant coach with a great mind for the game. It was an honor to learn from him and see the game from his perspective. Obviously the fall didn’t always go the way we wanted and it ended a lot sooner than we would have liked but were very excited for the future of this program. It’s great being back in Toledo! My wife is from the area and having played for Villa I love being able to come back and be part of the club again.

TVFC: What can we expect from the group this summer?

MB: I think not only the fans but also the city of Toledo should be very excited for the group we have representing the club this summer. You’re going to see a very talented group of players that will fight for the badge and will be exciting to watch.

Come see TVFC start their season on May 27th at 7pm as we face Maumee River Derby rivals Fort Wayne FC at Paul Hotmer Field at the University of Toledo.  Get your tickets here now