LA Evolution 

Founder

Coach Leonardo Matos 

 
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LEONARDO MATOS

Founder & Technical Director | LA Evolution

Leonardo Matos, known as “Coach Leo,” is a former professional soccer player, coach, physical education teacher, and philanthropist with more than 15 years of experience developing players and building soccer programs.

As the Founder and Technical Director of LA Evolution, Coach Leo has created a player-centered program built on two core values: Boldness and Joy. His philosophy is simple—players should be challenged to become the best version of themselves while developing the confidence, creativity, and freedom to truly enjoy the game.

Coach Leo brings extensive experience working across the private school, club, academy, and competitive soccer environments, including more than 10 years in the private school sector. He has served as a head coach at Mirman School, a school for gifted students in Los Angeles, where he has been recognized three times as Coach of the Year.

Throughout his career, Coach Leo has helped develop more than 200 athletes each year, guiding players of different ages and levels toward meaningful athletic and personal growth. His teams and players have achieved multiple championships, advanced to more competitive levels, and continued their soccer journeys at higher levels of the game.

Beyond the field, Coach Leo is passionate about giving back and creating opportunities for young athletes. Through his work as a philanthropist and founder of LASE Community, he is committed to making soccer and positive youth development more accessible while using the game to bring people together.

His coaching philosophy goes beyond technical ability. LA Evolution emphasizes:

Creativity • Confidence • Fair Play • Respect • Sportsmanship • Team Spirit • Personal Growth

Coach Leo believes that great development happens when players are given the opportunity to challenge themselves, make decisions, take risks, learn from mistakes, and express themselves through the game.

His mission is to develop not only better soccer players, but better teammates, leaders, and individuals—helping every player discover their potential and become the best version of themselves.

“Boldness and Joy.”
That is the foundation of LA Evolution.

Coaching Experience

  • Founder/Director - LA Evolution Since 2017

  • LASE Community - Founder

  • Head Coach - Dorsey High School

  • Head Coach/PE Teacher - Mirman School in Los Angeles, boys and girls soccer - Present

  • Coach - PSG Academy

  • Soccer Director - Coach Derek, Inc. 2015-2017

  • Evolution Beach Soccer (men's and Women's teams)

Playing Experience

  • Flamengo Futebol e Regatas

  • Botafogo Futebol e Regatas (Beach Soccer)

  • Cefet Rio (High School) Futsal

  • Craque 2000 Academia de Futebol

Certifications

  • PSG Academy Brazil, Coaching Diploma

  • Peruvian Football Federation P.F.F. Capacitación en Entrenamiento en Fútbol Playa Preparación de Arqueros. (Beach Soccer license & GK training)

  • The Futsal Federation of the state of Rio de Janeiro (FFSERJ), the first ever in thee world (8 hours of Futsal course)

  • US National "E" License

  • Team KBCA International Futsal Conference ( 65 hours futsal course)

  • NSCAA Fundamentals of Coaching, Concussion in Sports, California State Component, Sports Nutrition, Coaching Unified Sports

  • HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports

  • NFHS Learning Center Concussion in Sports

  • ECSI Sports First Aid and Injury Prevention

  • Positive Coaching Alliance: Coaching for Winning & Life Lessons

  • Universidade do Futebol: “Business Case - Clube de Regatas do Flamengo”

  • Connected PE ( Leveraging your new found skills in a post pandemic world. C on 04/08/20

  • Connected PE ( Fostering Engagement & Wellbeing while teaching remotely. C on 04/01/20

  • CPR /First Aid (Red cross)