JONNY SINCLAIR – FOUNDER – 2010 BOYS & 2011 GIRLS HEAD COACH
Jonny has played the game since he was 7yrs old, and anybody who knows him will immediately associate the word soccer with his name. He will be the first to tell you that everything he considers good in his life ultimately stems from football, including his best friends, favorite memories, and even his now wife and kids.
Growing up in Germany and England, he was surrounded by the game, and truly fell in love after watching the 1990 Italia World Cup on TV. From there, he had dreams of playing professionally, and was very fortunate to play for then Premier League Sunderland AFC’s U17 program. After then heading to Northumbria University and reaching the British University National Final, Jonny first got involved in coaching and has continued to be involved at many different levels for the past 20years; from local under-6 YMCA parent volunteer (his favorite age group!), to assisting D1 Ivy League college programs, as well as working as a full-time Director of Coaching for youth clubs.
At 16yrs old, he was a member of the inaugural Mavericks team in North Yorkshire, and now fast approaching 40yrs old, Jonny still plays at competitive levels and heads up the Matthews Mavericks mens teams, who are current Charlotte Premier Soccer League Champs.
A big believer in giving back to the game that has given him so much, Jonny founded the Matthews Mavericks youth program with the idea of changing the mindset of local soccer, shifting away from the ingrained expectation of ‘more dollars are needed the better you become as a player’. As an avid traveler, he has seen the positive effect the game can have on communities and the power of camaraderie, and wanted to share those experiences by offering a range of affordable playing opportunities to our local kids.
Jonny has lived in the Charlotte area since 2014, with his wife Alise, and their children Leo & Jude. Recent additions to the Sinclair family are pet Chiweenies, Rocket & Cantona (the latter named after Jonny’s all-time favorite player, King Eric – who was a maverick in every sense of the word).
NICOLAS SOSA – 2011 BOYS HEAD COACH & 2010 GIRLS ASSISTANT
Nicolás Sosa brings a lifetime of experience and a high level of expertise to Matthews Mavericks. At only 14, he was offered the opportunity to be integrated in Club Atletico Independiente’s youth program in Argentina. At 18, Nic signed his first professional soccer contract with Club Nacional de Futbol of Montevideo, Uruguay. He returned to the United States after 2 years of overseas competitive play and had playing stints with professional teams in Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
Nic began coaching and training at the youth and collegiate levels during his playing career. While in Chicago, he became a member of Future Pros where he ran private lessons and camps, as well as trained multiple club teams in the area. While a member of the Raleigh Flyers, Nic was also staffed as a coach/trainer at Duke University’s summer soccer camp. Additionally, in 2009, Nicolás was hired at Johnson & Wales University as the head coach for their newly established men’s soccer team.
Currently, Nicolás is the head coach of the Providence High School men’s soccer team in Charlotte. In his first season, he brought a young Providence team to state semifinals as undefeated conference champions and was awarded Conference Coach of the Year. He was also named the Greater Charlotte Gala’s High School Coach of the Year.
Nicolás shares his passion for the beautiful game with his wife, Amy, and their three children; Carolina, Enzo, and Benicio. He hopes to impart his extensive knowledge to youth soccer by helping youngsters foster their own passion for the game and to better develop players of all ages. We are beyond fortunate to have him dedicating his time and appetite for the game with us!
IAN DARGAVEL – 2014 BOYS & 2012 GIRLS HEAD COACH
There’s nothing sweeter than when Big Mavericks encourage and dedicate their time to the Mini Mavs. Supporting the cause and contributing to the ever-growing notion of spreading a love for soccer and for affordable youth sports. A proud member of the Matthews Mavericks Men’s Soccer Team, Ian Dargavel, will be at the helm of our 2012 girls’ Mavericks team! And adding on the 2014 Boys also!
Decades of playing experience, a long list of coaching credentials, a great sense of humor, and a tremendous deep Welsh bellow are just some of the attributes that Ian brings to Matthews Mavericks. Coach Ian is no stranger to the soccer pitch. His college career comprised of a vital role in taking the Neath Port College Football Team, near Swansea, United Kingdom, to the Final Four of the British Colleges Tournament as well as playing an essential part in earning the South East Regional Championship and the title of Regional Tournament Champs for Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Moreover, Ian assisted Banner Elk in excelling through two back to back Conference tournaments competing in the NCAA Division II National Tournament attaining The Sweet 16 in his junior year followed by the Elite 8 in his senior.
Ian has been a key component to the Matthews Mavericks Men’s team for several years helping them earn a number of titles including being the current Charlotte Premier Soccer League and State Cup Champions.
Ok, so he’s a great player. But how is he as a coach?
Allow us to continue…
Ian’s coaching experience broadly expands over decades and age groups. And when it comes to licensing, he currently holds:
– USSF National Youth License & C License
– UEFA C License
– NSCAA National and Advanced National Diploma & NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma.
Ian has directed and organized youth soccer camps throughout North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia as well as worked with coaches on designing skill workshops and training drills for youth between the ages of 3 and 17. From May 2009 through June 2015, he was the Director of Coaching at Charlotte United for boys and girls age groups ranging 6 to 14, and coached all levels from recreational to Region III teams. Ian was also part of the management team responsible for organizing and executing tournaments, camps, fundraising events, and general business development.
Ian is the ideal coach and mentor in that not only does he display the required passion, through decades of playing experience, but he is also actively engaging in his own athletic pursuits with the Mavericks. He’s a fantastic role model, patient, fair, fun, knowledgeable, and embodies all of the characteristics that are significant in developing young athletes. Coach Ian shares a fervor for soccer with his wife, Jackie (who is also a very talented and active soccer player!) and their children, Charleston, Trevor, Rory, plus new baby Clara!