We interviewed Matt Meadus: ALL-STARS coach, Safeguarding Lead, Autism Ambassador and winner of the Positive Behaviour Award 2025.

1) Explain your role as a coach — in the JPL ALL-STARS team and at your local JPL club

My main role within the Junior Premier League ALL-STARS structure is as the safeguarding and welfare lead on the incredible end-of-season tours. I also coach within my local JPL club, Proco FC.

With the JPL ALL-STARS, I work with the regional representative squads, helping prepare top JPL players for national showcase matches, academy trials and elite football experiences.

At club level, I coach weekly — delivering age-appropriate technical sessions, guiding match preparation and supporting player development. My aim is to ensure every young player is ready to take opportunities within the JPL pathway.

2) How and when I got into coaching, and why I coach

I’ve been coaching for over 20 years. I started as a volunteer in grassroots football, and over time it grew into a long-term passion.

I coach because I love helping young people enjoy the game and improve, especially when I can remove barriers so every child can take part and thrive. Seeing players build confidence, improve technically and develop socially is what keeps me doing it.

3) What has been my favourite experience in coaching?

Several moments stand out:

  • Helping autistic players enjoy mainstream football through an inclusive approach

  • Taking our ALL-STARS players to the Real Madrid training ground

  • Walking out at Wembley and receiving the Positive Behaviour Award

These moments remind me why grassroots coaching matters and the impact we have on young people.

4) How the Junior Premier League improves players — and why JPL ALL-STARS is a strong pathway into academy football

The Junior Premier League is built around player development. It provides consistent, structured coaching and a level of weekly competition that is generally stronger than most local leagues. Coaches meet minimum qualification standards, and the league uses performance tracking, organised trials and progression data to ensure players are supported in the right way.

The JPL ALL-STARS programme takes the highest-performing players from across the league and gives them something closer to an academy environment – higher-level coaching, fixtures against pro academies, trial opportunities and even international experiences.

It’s a clear bridge for players aiming for academy football, and the JPL’s progression statistics show that many players do make the step up through this route. The opportunities offered are genuinely exceptional.

5) Congratulations on the award — how does it feel to be recognised as the Positive Behaviour Award Winner?

I’m hugely honoured. Being recognised at the national Grassroots Football Awards, particularly for autism-friendly coaching and inclusive practice, is real validation of the hours that volunteers, parents and clubs put in.

It’s encouraging because it shows that inclusive coaching is something counties and clubs want to celebrate and replicate.

6) My role as Autism Ambassador — community impact and effects on young people

As an Autism Ambassador for Proco FC and within Hampshire FA, I identified a gap in support for autistic players and developed training, communication approaches and inclusive coaching methods to address it.

I deliver awareness sessions for parents, run CPD for coaches, and adapt football sessions to meet sensory and communication needs. I also help create positive social opportunities so young people can build confidence off the pitch as well as on it — and I support parents in understanding and navigating the journey.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where autistic young people can play, develop and belong.
The aim is always to create better people, not just better players.

7) Advice to young players who want to go into coaching

  1. Start volunteering early. Get involved at your local club — the best learning comes from doing.

  2. Get qualified and keep learning. Aim for the FA coaching pathway and ongoing CPD. The JPL requires minimum standards, so formal training really matters.

  3. Be inclusive. Learn how to adapt sessions to different needs — great coaches reach every player.

  4. Listen and reflect. Take feedback from players, parents and fellow coaches, and be willing to change or adjust.

  5. Enjoy it. When you value fun and development together, players respond — and you’ll stay in coaching long enough to make a real difference.