Meet Our Qualified Sports Coaches Inspiring All Ages
Expert Coaching for All Skill Levels
Hi, I'm Matt Beckingham, The Founder
Hi, I'm Matt Beckingham, The Founder
With over 20 years of experience in sports coaching and football development, I have built a reputation for developing players, innovative programmes and pathways that make a lasting difference both on and off the pitch.
I hold a UEFA B Licence alongside the FA Youth Modules 1 & 2, the FA Futsal Level 1, the FA Talent Identification Award, Multi-Skills Level 2, Dodgeball Level 2 and several other sport coaching qualifications. My coaching journey began with Southampton Football Club, where I worked across their Community Programme, Girls’ Centre of Excellence, and Advanced Coaching Centres. I also supported the club’s women’s teams as Reserve Team Coach and 1st Team Assistant Manager, while later taking on administrative and community coaching roles.
Alongside my coaching, I have also worked as a scout for Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Reading and as both a scout and coach for Portsmouth Academy. Across my career, I have helped identify and nurture talent, with over 20 boys and girls signing at professional academies including AFC Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Reading and Swindon Town.
In April 2006, I founded Learning Through Sport, which has since delivered a wide variety of school and community programmes. These include:
- Breakfast, lunchtime and after school clubs
- PPA cover in PE and curriculum support for schools
- Alternative Provision
- CPD training for teachers and coaches
- Young leader training and support
From the very beginning, Learning Through Sport has been a family effort. My sister Sarah played a huge role in the early coaching and administration of the business, helping to establish many of the systems and procedures still used today. My dad Martin has been the business manager from day one, working tirelessly behind the scenes on finances and contracts while still pulling on his coaching kit when needed. Special mention must also go to Sam Ivory, My best friend from school, who has been part of the business setup from day one and remains just as important today as he was at the beginning.
Equally, the incredible role of Matt’s wife Rhia cannot be overstated. She plays a crucial part across all three organisations – Learning Through Sport, Sport In The Community 2020 CIC and Playground Football. Far from being a “dogsbody,” Rhia is central to the planning, organisation and delivery of so much of what the team achieves.
Over the years Learning Through Sport has grown into a respected and trusted provider of sport, PE and coach education.
In 2020, I co-founded Sport In The Community 2020 CIC, a not-for-profit organisation delivering inclusive programmes for children, young people, the elderly, disabled individuals and low-income families. The CIC works in partnership with several large Care Home Chains, Abri Homes, Be Active Hampshire, NHS Social Prescribers, Pre Schools, Hays Travel Foundation, Hampshire FA, The FA, School Games Organisers, school SENCOs and local Parish Councils, ensuring that sport is accessible to all.
Continuing to innovate, in 2024 I launched Playground Football, an umbrella for creative and engaging football projects. This includes 3v3 Inflatable Pitch events, 1v1 tournaments, Reading FC Talent ID events and Futsal provision, all designed to create exciting opportunities for young players while supporting their long-term development.
I credit two huge influences on my coaching journey: the legendary Sue Lopez, who gave me my very first coaching role and countless opportunities to grow, and Mick Critchell, a gentleman and genius who continues to mentor and inspire me to this day.
Away from work, I love spending time with my wife Rhia and our two beautiful children, who give me the motivation to give my absolute best every single day. As a family of passionate Liverpool fans, we love nothing more than football weekends and holidays down in the West Country.
Looking ahead, 2026 marks a huge milestone – 20 years of Learning Through Sport. Reflecting on the journey, I'm immensely proud of the players, staff, and partners who have been part of the story so far, and grateful for the chance to continue inspiring the next generation.
Hi, I’m Rhia!
Hi, I’m Rhia!
I’ve been part of Learning Through Sport since 2018 and now serve as a Director across all three companies – Learning Through Sport, Sport in the Community, and Playground Football. Sport has always been a huge part of my life, with football at the centre from a very young age. I signed for Southampton Saints at 7 years old and played through to 24, including three seasons with Salisbury. A serious injury slowed me down, but the game has always stayed close to my heart.
As well as holding my FA Level 1 qualification, I’ve supported across all our sessions whenever needed. I also originally set up our Wildcats girls’ programme, which I stepped away from after having children, but I still enjoy getting involved in coaching whenever the opportunity arises. I’ve also worked in schools providing SENCO support, helping children 1:1, which has been incredibly rewarding.
Behind the scenes, I keep things running smoothly — from managing bookings and finance to making sure parents, schools, and coaches always have what they need. And as Matt’s wife, I like to joke that I’m also his “general dogsbody” — but truthfully, I love being involved in every part of what we do!
Outside of work, I’m mum to two amazing children (ages 4 and 8). Most of our spare time is spent on the pitch, whether I’m watching my son play, kicking a ball about, or cheering on Liverpool as a family. Football really is at the heart of everything we do.
Hi, I’m Sam!
Hi, I’m Sam!
I’ve been part of Learning Through Sport and Sport in the Community for over 13 years, and I’m proud to work across all three of our companies, including Playground Football. As one of our Head Coaches, I take on a wide range of roles and responsibilities.
During the day, I deliver pre-school sessions as well as care home activities, keeping children and older adults active, engaged, and smiling. You’ll also find me leading after-school clubs and, in the past, I’ve delivered PPA cover in schools. My evenings and weekends are dedicated to football coaching, where I run fun, energetic sessions for players of all ages and abilities.
I love building connections with the people I coach — I bring enthusiasm, encouragement, and a sense of humour to every session. For me, it’s about inspiring hard work and progress, while making sure everyone has fun along the way.
Outside of work, I’m a big Liverpool FC fan and get to Anfield whenever I can. I’m also passionate about many other sports, including tennis, cricket, boxing, and athletics. Staying active is important to me, so you’ll often find me in the gym or out walking.
Hi, I’m Nathan!
Hi, I’m Nathan!
My journey with LTS/SITC started around just over 2 years ago when I was completing my BSC Sports Coaching degree at Solent University.
Throughout completing my degree, I started as an assistant coach, which involved me assisting the head coaches with essential tasks to ensure their sessions ran smoothly, and the kids gained maximum enjoyment.
As time went by, and I gained key experiences, I then moved into the role of head coaching, which saw me move from assisting sessions to managing and designing them myself.
Now you will find me coaching our fun football sessions on both a Monday and Saturday, whilst also coaching various after school clubs throughout the week. My aim of every session is to ensure every child goes home with a smile on their face and have enjoyed playing some football.
Outside of work, I am a devoted Southampton FC supporter, who I have supported for a number of years now and have had a season ticket most seasons. Alongside that, I am also an avid concert-goer and will try to go to as many concerts as possible, no matter if they are big or small!
Hi, I’m John!
Hi, I’m John!
My journey with Learning Through Sport and Sport in the Community started 4 years ago as a parent, watching my son Jacob take his first kicks in football. After a year on the sidelines, I joined the coaching team — and now you’ll usually find me leading our brilliant Junior Ballers on Monday nights, and either our amazing girls’ group or one of the fantastic older mixed groups on Saturdays. I also coach an U10s team at AFC Stoneham.
Outside of LTS, I’m a proud dad to three wonderfully chaotic kids. I’m also a foster carer and adoption mentor, which gives me valuable insight into working with children with SEND, Autism, and ADHD. That understanding helps me create inclusive, supportive, and fun sessions where every child can thrive.
Hi, I’m Matt!
Hi, I’m Matt!
I’ve been working with Learning Through Sport for around 3.5 years. My main role has been delivering PPA cover, which involves going into schools to teach a variety of sports in PE sessions across Key Stages 1 and 2. You’ll also see me at a number of after-school clubs, covering everything from basketball and football to multi-sports.
Alongside LTS, I am also an Academy Coach at Portsmouth FC, where I work as a Transition Coach with the pre-academy U8s and academy U9s. This gives me two years with each group to help players settle into the academy environment. In addition, I am a Team Manager within the football department at Peter Symonds College.
As you can probably guess, football is my speciality. I have always been around the game, and the benefits I gained through playing, socially, physically, and personally, are a huge part of why I went into coaching. For me, sport is not just about playing; it is about learning, developing, and building friendships.
When I am not working, I like to keep active with regular exercise and spend quality time with my wife and our two children.
Hi, I’m Josh!
Hi, I’m Josh!
I’ve been working with Learning Through Sport and Sport in the Community for a year as an Assistant Coach. In my role, I support a wide range of sessions, including lunchtime clubs, after-school clubs, evening programmes during the week, and Saturday morning football. I enjoy being part of the team and helping children get active, learn new skills, and most importantly, have fun.
Outside of work, I’m a big Southampton FC fan and have held a season ticket for the past few years. I also enjoy travelling to some of the away games when I can. Sport is a huge part of my life, and I follow a wide variety, including boxing, tennis, cricket, and Formula 1.
Hi, I'm Laurence