About The Phoenix Method
Our Owner - Sean Matteo
Coach Sean is a native of Pitman, NJ where he played for Pitman High School from 2005-2009. During his career at Pitman, he led the Panthers in scoring his senior year and was named First Team Tri-County Conference and Second Team SJ.
After graduating from Pitman, he attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he joined the Men’s Soccer team as a goalkeeper. He graduated in 2014 earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and psychology. During his time with the Scarlet Knights, Sean earned American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. Since graduating, Sean played with the Ocean City Nor’easters reserves squad and, most recently, played for Phoenix SC in the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. While with Phoenix, Sean featured in many first team matches including playing in multiple state cup games and was on the roster for Phoenix’s Lamar Hunt Open Cup qualifying run.
Since 2014, Sean has been seen on the sidelines at Pitman High School as the Head Girls Soccer Coach from 2015-2017, at Holy Spirit High School as the Head Boys Soccer Coach in 2017, at Buena High School as an Assistant Boys’ Soccer Coach in 2018, Absegami High School as an Assistant Girls Soccer Coach in 2019 and the Head Boys Soccer Coach from 2020-2022. He returned in 2023 to Holy Spirit High School to restart their Boys Soccer program as its Head Coach and still works as their Director of Guidance.
In the fall of 2024, Sean became the Head Girls Soccer Coach at Ocean City High School leading the team to a Cape Atlantic League Championship and advancing to the South Jersey Group 3 finals. Additionally, he coaches for the NJ Olympic Development program. Coach Sean currently holds his National D License from US Soccer along with many certifications through United Soccer Coaches and the National Federation of High Schools. He also holds a Masters in School Counseling from Walden University.
He has loved every minute of working soccer camps from the Philadelphia Union as a Division Specialist and with Arsenal FC as a Technical Director during their COVID camps. However, creating The Phoenix Method has changed Coach Sean’s perspective on the world of soccer and coaching within it.
On starting The Phoenix Method, Coach Sean says “the Phoenix was emblematic of my career overcoming significant injuries while playing and trying to find a home in coaching. Creating The Phoenix Method affords me the opportunity to share these experiences with younger players and truly develop them in a way that is needed in today’s soccer landscape.”
Vision Statement
To transform aspiring players into confident, elite athletes through a personalized journey of growth, resilience, and skill—rising stronger with every session.
Mission Statement
The Phoenix Method empowers soccer players of all levels through individually tailored training that enhances technical skills, mental toughness, and personal growth. We are committed to reigniting passion, developing mastery, and fostering a mindset of continuous evolution—on and off the field.